The Philadelphia 76ers have high hopes for VJ Edgecombe next season. The third overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft, the Baylor product is expected to have a major role one the team in the upcoming 2025-26 campaign, setting the stage for what could very well end up being a grand comeback for the franchise after a miserable finish last season.
Edgecombe showed glimpses of what he can bring to the table right off the bat in his pair of Summer League appearances, but fans could be in for so much more from the rookie. His calling card, even at this early juncture, is his three-level scoring ability thanks to his athleticism and skill, but recently, he made a huge promise that could change everything for the 76ers next season and beyond.
The rookie recently appeared on the latest episode of Podcast P with Paul George, engaging with his current teammate about how he profiles as a rookie next season and his personal expectations in what would be his first real foray into the big league.
One of the more striking statements Edgecombe made is his clear commitment to being a standout defender for the 76ers early on. The rookie made it clear that making an All-Defensive Team is an immediate goal of his, and for that, the fanbase should be ecstatic about what they could be getting right from the get-go.
VJ Edgecombe issues a daring challenge for his rookie season with the 76ers
“I also want to make the All-Defensive Team. They're going to say it’s hard for a rookie, but I don't think it's going to be hard for me.”
Edgecombe definitely has the motor and the bounce to be a huge factor defensively, but defense, more than anything, is highly dependent on basketball IQ and natural instincts. The 76ers rookie clearly appears to be confident about ticking those off in his freshman year.
Last season, Philadelphia ranked 26th in defensive rating, clocking out as one of the worst teams in the league in both paint and perimeter defense. If Edgecombe’s pledge comes through, the 76ers will receive a massive boost on that end.
Offense will definitely be a strong suit for this group, but it is defense that will determine if they can make a deep playoff run. The 76ers, as currently constructed, do not have a lot of players who are pegged as defensive stalwarts, so Edgecombe committing on that end is definitely a welcome development.
Hopefully, VJ Edgecombe emerges as a two-way menace even in his rookie year. The Philadelphia 76ers need him to hand in a brilliant freshman campaign, and from the looks of it, he definitely can achieve that given his talent and expected role.