In a pre-season match, the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 126-110 on Friday.
The Sixers had three players finish with 20-plus points, including rookie VJ Edgecombe. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 draft packed the stat sheet in 34 minutes, recording 26 points, six rebounds, five steals and three assists while shooting 55.6 percent from the field.
Not only has Edgecombe impressed on both ends of the court, but the team also got a look at his ability to facilitate the offense alongside Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.
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“VJ Edgecombe’s sense of the game” was complimented by Nick Nurse
Head coach Nick Nurse was impressed with the 20-year-old’s poise and praised the rookie’s impact on the offensive end, according to PHLY Sports.
“VJ does a great job organizing them [his teammates]; “That’s the hard part of being a point guard or rebounding,” Nurse said. “He calls plays and moves people and puts us in our sets, which is great to see. He has a good feel for the game.”
The Baylor product’s dual influence has been on full display this preseason, as he averaged 16.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.0 steals in 29.5 minutes per game in three games. However, he shot just 25.0 percent from three-point range, which will certainly be a point of emphasis moving forward.
Edgecombe has a chance to play an important role right away this season, and his athleticism as well as his feel for the game will be key to the Sixers’ success.