VJ Edgecombe continues to have a tremendous rookie season with the Philadelphia 76ers, and he is constantly reminding the team why he's going to be a big part of their future for the long run.
In a recent episode of "The Zach Lowe Show," The Ringer's Chris Ryan praised Edgecombe's ability to keep plays alive and make an impact on the court, even if he's having an off night. And for him to have this in his arsenal at just 20 years old, it's clear that the sky is the limit for him and his future in Philadelphia.
"The reason why I was so into [Edgecombe] aside from his athleticism and his willingness to make a really athletic play when he sees an opportunity is the fact that when he's not in the game, when he's not feeling it, when it's not flowing through him, when he's maybe off-ball a little bit more, he still finds ways to contribute," Ryan said.
"He's not a role player in the sense where he's like, 'I'll stay in the corner, and then I will guard my man,' he is in and around the ball. He is diving and crashing the offensive boards. He's getting putbacks and tap-ins or keeping plays alive by getting second-chance rebounds or something like that. And it's just that little extra 10% that is actually what changes games. ... He's just been such a breath of fresh air on a team that really, really needed it."
VJ Edgecombe is proving to be a special player
The Baylor alum's biggest appeal entering last year's NBA draft was his athleticism mixed with his high motor and high defensive upside. And so far, he has been exactly as advertised.
Through 57 games this season, Edgecombe has averaged 15.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.5 steals while shooting 42.7% from the field and 36.1% from beyond the arc. Additionally, he has played tremendous defense for most of the season and is constantly making hustle plays (even if it results in accidentally kicking a fan in the face).
For some examples, on Mar. 3, Edgecombe scored just six points on 2-for-9 shooting, but he also recorded two blocks and a steal in 20 minutes. Additionally, on Feb. 2, he scored just five points on 1-for-11 shooting, but his seven assists played a big role in the 76ers' 128-113 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Edgecombe is constantly proving that he is a special player, and he is proving that Philadelphia made the right call by drafting him third overall last year. He should only continue to get better from here on out, and that should be music to the 76ers' ears.
The Bahamas native is already incredible, but at this rate, he is going to become an even bigger part of the team's success for years to come.