VJ Edgecombe was sensational in his first summer league game this past Saturday in Salt Lake. The No. 3 overall pick had 28 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal in a loss to the Utah Jazz.
Though it took 27 shots to reach 28 points, those numbers belie how fantastic he played. He was still efficient (13-of-27) and though he didn’t shoot it well from deep (1-of-7), two of those attempts were basically in desperation — one he nearly connected on with six seconds left that would’ve tied the game.
All of the attributes that made Edgecombe such a coveted prospect coming out of Baylor were on full display. Of course, his effortless athleticism stood out more than anything. The 19-year-old is so smooth and fluid, it almost looks like he’s gliding out there.
The best example was this coast-to-coast dunk where it looks like everyone else is walking in cement shoes.
Not much needs to be said about this one - VJ Edgecombe with a coast-to-coast that has everyone else looking like they're moving in slow motion.
(NBA Summer League, Sixers vs. Jazz) pic.twitter.com/PV32DFTmYj
— Erin Grugan (@eringrugan) July 6, 2025
But Edgecombe showed off the whole package. He was great defensively, on the glass and made several hustle plays. He even showed some impressive playmaking and off-the-dribble shooting — two areas that were identified as weaknesses by most draft experts coming out.
Next up for Edgecombe and the Summer Sixers will be taking on the summer league team of the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. That team features Nikola Topic, the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, who missed last season with a torn ACL. It will be fun to see if Edgecombe gets a few defensive reps against the Serbian guard.
While Edgecombe stole the show, Adem Bona was also a standout in the first game. He finished second on the team with 16 points while pulling down eight boards in 28 minutes. The 22-year-old big man picked up where he left off last season, showing off more aggressiveness offensively. During the Sixers’ summer league minicamp, it was easy to see that Bona added more muscle to his frame. That was on full display as he bullied Utah’s Kyle Filipowski.
Sixers Summer League highlights vs. Jazz quick thread here!
Adem Bona is back doing Adem Bona things! Slams this one home off the PNR. Bona looked strong and aggressive (but controlled/efficient) out of the gate last night. pic.twitter.com/40oSICzOGG
— Erin Grugan (@eringrugan) July 6, 2025
Justin Edwards and Johni Broome had sort of mixed bag games. Edwards looked good early, but then seemed to force things as the game went on. Broome did many of the things that made him an intriguing second-round pick — hit the offensive glass, make good decisions with the ball, be in the right place defensively — but his athletic limitations were also evident at times. The fact that he made two threes was a nice development.
The Sixers struggled early with the Jazz’s ball pressure. It was a disappointing showing for Jalen Hood-Schifino, who seemed to have trouble simply dribbling the basketball. Judah Mintz gave them solid minutes, but the hope is two-way signee Hunter Sallis will be available. The undrafted guard out of Wake Forest missed the first game with an ankle sprain. We’ll have to wait and see what his availability is against OKC.
We’ll see what Edgecombe and the Summer Sixers have in store for Monday night.
(Summer) Sixers vs. Thunder Game Details
When: Monday, July 7, 7:00 pm ET
Where: Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Watch: ESPN, NBC Sports Philadelphia+
Follow: @LibertyBallers