VJ Edgecombe’s game-winning three-pointer against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night perfectly represented what he has been for the Philadelphia 76ers this season. At 20 years old, he has developed a trait that many NBA players spend years aiming to acquire.
Edgecombe–as a rookie–has developed into one of Philadelphia’s clutchest players, stringing together a series of moments that fans will remember. Although he is still navigating typical rookie struggles, the former third overall pick has developed a knack for making the big, winning plays at the largest of stages presented to him early in his NBA career.
Here’s a rewind of Edgecombe’s best moments to conclude 2025:
SUMMER LEAGUE DEBUT:
Fans passionately argued about who Philadelphia should select in the 2025 NBA Draft: Edgecombe or Ace Bailey. Some favored Bailey’s positional fit and scoring upside while others touted Edgecombe’s athleticism and win-first mentality. The 76ers chose the latter and the Baylor product wasted no time proving their intellect.
Edgecombe and Bailey faced off in Philadelphia’s first Summer League matchup and its newest guard came out on top. Not only did the 76ers defeat the Utah Jazz 93-89, but Edgecombe also outperformed Bailey. He totaled 28 points, 10 rebounds and two steals while Bailey had eight points on 3-13 shooting from the field.
IN THE GARDENS:
It only got better as Edgecombe made a near-perfect impression in his first NBA game–against the Boston Celtics no less. He recorded 14 points in the first quarter en route to a 34-point performance supported by seven rebounds and five made three-pointers. For Edgecombe to not only be confident, but also dominate in the home of Philadelphia’s most hated rival, is wildly impressive and a testament to his resilience. Not to mention, it led to a 117-116 win.
Edgecombe completed the “garden” circuit, visiting the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 19th. Yet, the result stayed the same: the rookie fronting a 116-107 76ers win, to the dismay of Knicks fans. He buried critical threes and scrapped for a loose ball that clinched Philadelphia the victory, finishing with 23 points on 63.9% true shooting, four assists and three stocks (steals and blocks).
AT MEMPHIS:
The main storyline of the 76ers’ matchup against the Grizzlies yesterday was Joel Embiid’s offensive fit, but Edgecombe quickly made the front page. With less than 10 seconds remaining in overtime, he set a ball-screen for Maxey, forcing a miscommunication between Ja Morant and Cedric Coward. As a result, Edgecombe popped to the top of the key and Maxey awarded him a pass that led to his game-clinching three. He registered 25 points, 16 of which came in the fourth quarter, along with six rebounds and four steals.
The 76ers may face uncertainty with their short-term future, but rest assured, Edgecombe will be a critical variable in their long-term equation. His ceiling is yet to be determined, but in just 27 games, he compiled plays that only franchise-level players make.