Photo: Baylor Men’s Basketball/X

VJ Edgecombe’s elite athleticism and strong defensive instincts are expected to earn him meaningful minutes in his rookie season with the Sixers.

However, as Tony Jones of The Athletic reports, Edgecombe is determined to make an impact beyond just his physical tools.

He’s already thinking about how he can support the team’s core stars – Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey – on the offensive end as well.

“I’m really focused on trying to shoot the ball at a high level,” Edgecombe said on Wednesday. “My job is going to be trying to release pressure on Joel, Paul, and Tyrese.”

In other words, Edgecombe recognizes that his role won’t be limited to defense or transition play; he understands the importance of being a reliable shooter and floor-spacer.

By improving his perimeter shot, he aims to draw defensive attention away from the Sixers’ primary scorers, helping to open up the floor and reduce the defensive load on stars like Embiid in the post, George on the wing, and Maxey at the point.

His mindset reflects a team-first attitude, with a clear understanding of how role players can elevate a contender by complementing the talents of its stars.