In basketball, players do not earn roles or respect just because they were drafted high or came in with college hype. Every rookie or veteran has to prove himself every single day. Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe knows that, maybe better than anyone.
That is why he is staying grounded despite being selected as a top-three pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. In his post-draft interview, Edgecombe offered an honest reflection about the challenges he has faced and the ones that still lie ahead.
VJ Edgecombe Ready to Prove Himself with the Philadelphia 76ers
After being selected No. 3 overall by the 76ers in the draft, the 19-year-old guard made it clear he understands the challenge ahead. In a candid post-draft interview, Edgecombe said, “No, I mean, it’s the NBA, and they ain’t going to promise you nothing either.”
“You’ve got grown men fighting for their jobs,” he added. “I’m just going in there, whatever Coach needs me to do, I’m going to go do.”
Honestly speaking, that is exactly the mindset the 76ers are banking on. Edgecombe, a 6-foot-4 Baylor guard, averaged 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.1 steals per game in his lone college season, earning Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors.
Besides his stellar college résumé, he also boasts a strong international profile. Edgecombe played in the 2025 FIBA Olympic Qualifiers for the Bahamas alongside NBA stars like Buddy Hield and DeAndre Ayton, where he averaged 16.5 points per game.
However, none of those numbers will guarantee him a starting role on the 76ers roster, as their backcourt is already crowded. With All-Star Tyrese Maxey, rising sophomore Jared McCain, and veteran Quentin Grimes in the mix, Edgecombe knows he will have to earn his spot.
To all you haters out there talking down on the @sixers pick of VJ Edgecomb, don’t come around when the kid start coming into his own. I am soooo dead ass on this. You need to go watch film on the kid, and give him a chance. I’m glad he is a Sixer. Welcome to Philly bro bro pic.twitter.com/h6s70o1x3R
– iStandonbiznezz (@iStandOnBiznezz) June 26, 2025
“If that requires me coming off the bench, if that requires me starting, playing alongside both Maxey and McCain, playing with one of them at the same time, it don’t matter,” Edgecombe said. “I’m just going there to play. Like I said, whatever Coach Nurse needs me to do, I’m going to go do it.”
Edgecombe might be just 19 years old, but he fits into Philadelphia quite well. His two-way athleticism and defensive grit bring fresh energy to a 76ers team looking to rebound after a disappointing 24-58 season.
Still, the challenge ahead is no cakewalk. He is joining a franchise that finished 13th in the Eastern Conference in the 2024-2025 season and is desperate to turn things around. The rookie knows exactly what he is walking into, and he seems more than prepared for it.
