Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe described his pre-draft workout with the team as one of the most stressful experiences of his career. On the Club 520 Podcast, he admitted to shooting “like four air-balls” while the team’s owners and coaches watched from the sidelines.
Edgecombe, the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, said he focused solely on Philadelphia during his pre-draft process. “I only worked out for Philly… I was nervous as hell,” he said, via HoopsHype, noting that after the workout, he accepted whatever outcome came, knowing he had given his best effort.
The 20-year-old shooting guard has quickly established himself as a key player for the 76ers this season, averaging 14.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists over 50 games. His ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game has helped Philadelphia remain in playoff contention, with a 30-24 record currently placing them sixth in the Eastern Conference.
Edgecombe’s poise under pressure was evident during the 2026 NBA Rising Stars Challenge, where he helped Team Vince edge Team Melo 25-24 at Intuit Dome. He scored 17 points in the semifinal and added six in the final, securing MVP honors by calmly converting two decisive free throws in the game’s final moments.
Philadelphia’s rookie also shined in the semifinal, hitting three three-pointers and scoring the final 10 points to help his team reach the championship.
Edgecombe’s early success mirrors the 76ers’ balanced approach, where veteran leaders like Tyrese Maxey (28.9 PPG) and Joel Embiid (26.6 PPG, 7.5 RPG) anchor the roster.
Reflecting on his draft journey, Edgecombe emphasized the intensity of the evaluation process and the importance of embracing the moment. “You got the owners, you got everybody… just watching you. It’s your workout—only you in there with the coaches,” he said.
