VJ Edgecombe will enter the NBA as one of the most promising rookies in the 2025 draft class.
The Philadelphia 76ers were third overall pick after a productive Baylor career featuring 15 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.
Excitement surrounds VJ Edgecombe’s rookie season and is hoping for important playtime soon.
The 76ers injury situation with Paul George and Joel Embiid creates an opportunity to expand the responsibility of the rookie.
Edgecombe showed his potential during summer league play, including a double-double performance against the Utah Jazz.
His confidence comes in part from pre-draft advice he received from veteran shooting guard Klay Thompson.
Edgecombe revealed Thompson’s advice focused on enjoying the draft experience rather than rushing towards future achievements.
The four-time champions emphasized their patience and gratitude for career milestones.
“The main thing he told me was ‘enjoy the journey.’ He explained, “You’re going to win championships and stuff like that, but draft night and all of that will be the best time, you’ll do it once.”
Thompson’s message was based on his own experience as a champion and his knowledge of how quickly his career changed.
The experienced security guard said it’s important to enjoy special moments like draft nights.
“He won the ring four times, and it’s the same as ‘Enjoy the journey, stay in the gym, enjoy the journey’,” Edgecomb added, highlighting Thompson’s emphasis on both hard work and gratitude.
Edgecombe’s boundary fire requires continuous development despite its position as a shooting guard. He connected in 34% of three-point attempts during his college career at Baylor.
His summer league performance showed good and poor nights and inconsistent shooting results beyond the arc.
Variations indicate the possibility of improvement through proper development and iteration. Edgecombe was able to ask Thompson for advice again on this point.
Edgecombe has also identified Buddy Heald as a mentor who can help him develop. Hield currently plays for Thompson’s former team, The Golden State Warriors, creating connections with proven shooters.
Edgecombe has physical tools and basketball instincts that complement potential shooting improvements.
His athletic ability, explosiveness and speed create benefits that go beyond ambient shooting.
The rookie also demonstrated defensive awareness and basketball IQ, suggesting balanced development potential.
Philadelphia will benefit greatly if Edgecombe successfully improves its three-point consistency. His athletic gift combined with reliable shooting will create a dangerous two-way player.
And the situation in Philadelphia is perfectly in line with Edge.com’s development timeline. The newcomer can grow into his role, but the 76ers manage the veteran star’s return to full health.