Philadelphia 76ers rookie shooting guard VJ Edgecombe continued his impressive start during Sunday’s 129-105 blowout road win over the Brooklyn Nets. A striking stat shared during the broadcast underscored the rarity of the 20-year-old’s well-rounded production.
Edgecombe’s explosive finishing, refined shot creation, and disruptive perimeter defense have made him a revelation thus far. His standout play has not only helped Philadelphia win all but one game despite dealing with key injuries but has also placed him in the company of an all-time great.
VJ Edgecombe Joins Magic Johnson in Impressive Rookie Feat
Edgecombe entered Sunday’s contest with averages of 21.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game through five appearances. According to the broadcast, the 2025 No. 3 pick is the second rookie to post at least 20/5/5 over their first five games since the 1976-77 campaign, joining Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson (1979-80).
Is that good? I think that’s good. pic.twitter.com/Qax2dXNdnP
— Erin Grugan (@eringrugan) November 3, 2025
Notably, Johnson, one of the most versatile playmakers in league history, rode his early-career surge to an All-Star selection and NBA Finals MVP in Year 1. While Edgecombe may be hard-pressed to replicate that level of success, he has proven to be an optimal backcourt mate for star point guard Tyrese Maxey and has showcased all the makings of a future star.
Edgecombe tallied a relatively quiet 16 points, two rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two 3-pointers, shooting 6-for-12 (50%) against Brooklyn. He finished tied for fourth on his team in scoring as Philadelphia cruised to its fifth victory in six tries despite being without stars Joel Embiid (injury recovery) and Paul George (knee).
Still, Edgecombe got to the rim at will, converting multiple dunks, and flashed his improved outside shooting stroke. After averaging 15.0 ppg across 33 outings at Baylor, he has scored between 14 and 34 points in each of his first six games.
VJ Edgecombe dunks are a thing of beauty. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/w08ORkYr2p
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) November 3, 2025
The rookie’s ascension has fueled hope that, when healthy, the 76ers (5-1)Â can pose a dark horse threat in the Eastern Conference, with Edgecombe bullish on his squad’s chances.
“With big fella back there, I think we’re gonna win the chip, if you ask me,” Edgecombe said during a recent discussion with Maxey.
Currently tied for the East’s top record, Philadelphia continues its three-game road trip on Tuesday against the Chicago Bulls (5-1), marking a battle for early-season conference supremacy. A day later, it will visit last season’s No. 1 seed, the Cleveland Cavaliers (4-3), in a challenging second leg of a back-to-back.