Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe revealed that his pre-draft workout with the team was one of the most intense moments in his basketball career. During the Club 520 Podcast, he confessed to shooting about four air-balls while owners and coaches closely observed from the sidelines, adding to his stress.
Edgecombe, who was selected third overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, focused exclusively on impressing Philadelphia throughout the pre-draft process.
“I only worked out for Philly… I was nervous as hell,”
he shared, acknowledging that after the session, he was prepared to accept the team’s decision, having given his fullest effort.
Rapid Rise as a Key 76ers Contributor
At just 20 years old, the shooting guard has quickly become an important asset for the 76ers this season. Over 50 games, he has averaged 14.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. His versatility on both ends of the court has contributed to Philadelphia’s solid standing in the playoff hunt, as they hold a 30-24 record, currently sixth in the Eastern Conference.
Standout Performance in the NBA Rising Stars Challenge
Edgecombe demonstrated his composure in high-pressure moments during the 2026 NBA Rising Stars Challenge. Playing for Team Vince, he was instrumental in the narrow 25-24 victory against Team Melo at Intuit Dome. He scored 17 points in the semifinal game and added six in the final, earning MVP honors by calmly sinking two crucial free throws in the closing seconds.
In the semifinal alone, he made three three-pointers and closed the game by scoring the last 10 points, securing his spot in the championship round and highlighting his clutch ability.
Growing Within a Veteran-Led Team
Edgecombe’s early success aligns with Philadelphia’s balanced team dynamic, where established stars like Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid provide leadership and scoring power. Maxey is averaging 28.9 points per game, while Embiid contributes 26.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per contest, anchoring the roster as Edgecombe continues to mature.
Reflecting on the Pressure of the Pre-Draft Stage
Looking back on his draft experience, Edgecombe emphasized how intimidating it was to perform under the watchful eyes of the franchise’s top decision-makers.
“You got the owners, you got everybody… just watching you. It’s your workout—only you in there with the coaches,”
he explained, describing the intense focus and isolation during the session.
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— Baylor Men’s Basketball (@BaylorMBB) May 14, 2025
