VJ Edgecombe enters his second NBA season alongside LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, but the Philadelphia 76ers guard said his approach remains centered on learning and playing his game.
Speaking during Philadelphia’s media day on Monday, September 28, Edgecombe said he was excited about James joining the team and the opportunity to share the court with several established stars.
“Obviously was an exciting moment when he announced that he was coming to Philly,” Edgecombe said. “I’m just happy obviously to be in space to play basketball. And I’m just happy to see everyone on the floor.”
Edgecombe said playing alongside James, Embiid, Maxey and Brown will be a learning experience as he enters his second season.
“It’s learning. I’m learning every day,” he said. “That’s the main thing for me, just to learn, have fun.”
The 2025 No. 3 overall pick averaged 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 75 games during his rookie season, starting every game. He also shot 35.4% from three-point range and earned third-place voting in the Rookie of the Year race.
Edgecombe said shooting was a major focus of his offseason, while he also worked on his finishing and ball-handling.
“I’ve been countless reps on shooting the ball,” Edgecombe said. “Like I said, that’s important, especially now with the team that we have now. Just trying to pick my spaces, pick my times.”
He emphasized that he worked on his overall game rather than focusing exclusively on his jumper.
“I’ve been working on my game, shooting, finishing, dribbling, everything,” Edgecombe said. “I’ve just been trying to get better.”
Despite the additions of James and Brown, Edgecombe said he does not intend to change his identity on the court.
“I’m going just be myself,” he said. “And myself, just me is just, you know, going out there being aggressive. I say playing defense, you know, be on two sides of the ball, man. Offense, defense, whatever I need to do, I’m going to go out there and do.”
Edgecombe also addressed expectations entering his second season, saying he remains focused on learning rather than outside opinions.
“I’m going in year two. I know everyone, you know, whatever is going on, they’re going to say this, say that,” Edgecombe said. “I’m still learning. I’m still a kid just trying to learn.”
Defense remains another major priority. Edgecombe said he enjoys making life difficult for opposing offenses and wants to improve both on and off the ball.
“I take pride in playing defense,” he said. “I just find it fun when it’s kind of hard for the opposing team to score.”
Edgecombe specifically wants to improve his ability to anticipate plays and credited Brown and James with providing opportunities to learn.
“I want to continue getting better at that,” Edgecombe said.
The young guard also revealed that he initiated a group chat with Maxey, Embiid and Brown during the offseason to help the new-look team stay connected. He said the conversations have helped him get to know his new teammates, describing both Brown and James as “great human beings” who are “really down to earth.”
As training camp begins, Edgecombe said he has plenty of questions for his veteran teammates but intends to keep them private.
“I’m just going to ask them the questions,” he said. “It’s how I’m going to get better.”
