Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe has been ranked No. 91 on Bleacher Report’s list of the top 99 NBA players, with the outlet identifying him as the franchise’s present and future starting shooting guard based on his defensive impact and two-way production through his first season.
Edgecombe is averaging 15.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game while leading all rookies with 1.5 steals per game and 35.3 minutes per game. He earned unanimous MVP honors at the Rising Stars game during All-Star weekend and currently holds the third-best odds for Rookie of the Year at +7500.
Edgecombe trailing only Stephen Curry in crunch-time three-pointers this season
Edgecombe’s offensive role alongside Tyrese Maxey has developed throughout the season. He adjusts his pace depending on whether Joel Embiid is on the floor, and his above-the-break three-point shooting has been encouraging. Bleacher Report noted that only Stephen Curry has made more three-pointers in crunch-time situations this season, a notable distinction for a rookie playing 35-plus minutes per night on a veteran roster.
His overall shot-making efficiency is not yet elite, but the late-game production suggests a level of composure under pressure that is uncommon for first-year players. That ability to perform in high-leverage moments increases his value to a 76ers team that has playoff aspirations.
Defensive assignments against Brunson and Mitchell earning Edgecombe league-wide recognition
Edgecombe’s defensive profile has drawn as much attention as his scoring. He has been tasked with covering Jalen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell in matchups this season, and Bleacher Report wrote that “Edgecombe deserves more praise for his defensive toughness.” The 1.5 steals per game lead all rookies and reflect an active, disruptive presence on the perimeter.
That defensive versatility is what separates Edgecombe from rookies who contribute primarily as scorers. The 76ers can use him against opposing teams’ best perimeter players while still getting 15-plus points on the offensive end, a combination that explains both the heavy minutes load and the Bleacher Report ranking for a player still in his first NBA season.