VJ Edgecombe had been waiting for years for his chance in the NBA, a chance to change his life and that of his family. He was given that opportunity and immediately fulfilled even the highest expectations about what he would look like out of the water. Through a month of the NBA season, he has pretty much been the dictionary definition of making the most of an opportunity that presents itself.
Edgecombe wasn’t shy about talking about his upbringing, and now he plays like a man who understands how quickly NBA careers can be undone, and a man who has no interest in that happening to him.
For a 20-year-old, he seems incredibly down-to-earth and down to earth. That’s one of the many impressive qualities Edgecombe possesses, both on and off the field.
VJ Edgecombe gets an opportunity that few rookies get
Honestly, Edgecombe plays so much that you could argue he’s getting an opportunity that not many people have players to get. Edgecombe is currently No. 2 in the league in minutes per game, behind only his teammate, Tyrese Maxey.
The Sixers’ defensive teammates are workhorses right now and Edgecombe probably won’t play 37 minutes per game all year, but his consistency in the lineup is an early sign that Nick Nurse trusts him as much as anyone on this roster. That is not without reason! Edgecombe’s historic debut set impossibly high expectations for his rookie season, but there has been no disappointment since that night. He’s still averaging 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, and while his shooting percentage has dropped, he’s contributing just about every night.
A big part of this fast start is pure confidence from Edgecombe. He plays like he’s been here before, even though he’s… not, and that extremely Philly attitude shone through on draft night, and continues to shine through as the season progresses.
“I’m the best athlete in this class. I can jump as high as anyone here. Run as fast as anyone here. I’m going to play with my heart and soul,” Edgecombe said after being picked in June’s draft. He’s also been given a chance to prove that claim is true, and at this point it’s hard to argue with that.
#76ers #Edgecombe #hes #waiting #years