Valdez ‘VJ’ Edgecombe and the Philadelphia 76ers will play their final preseason game tonight, and then it’s on to games that matter, for one of The Bahamas’ most anticipated regular season debuts ever in professional basketball.
The Bahamian rookie notched 14 and 10 points in two preseason starts, and then sat out a third preseason game with what the Sixers explained to be left hip soreness. At the moment, there’s no telling if he will suit up tonight.
For the first time in more than a year, the Sixers had their big three in Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey, back at practice this week, and with prized rookie Edgecombe set to join the mix, there is a lot of optimism for the 2025-2026 season.
In fact, given Edgecombe’s rise and his trajectory, there are talks that he could crack the big three at some point this season. The talented rookie was taken with the number three overall pick in June’s National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft, following a freshman season for the Baylor University Bears when he was one of the top players in college basketball.
The Sixers had another injury plagued campaign last season, as both Embiid, George and Maxey all missed multiple games due to various injuries. They rarely had an opportunity to practice or play together as a full unit. The trio played just 15 games together, and the Sixers labored to a 24-58 win/loss record — finishing 13th in the Eastern Conference of the NBA and missing out on the play-in tournament of the NBA playoffs.
The Sixers obtained the number three pick in the NBA Draft Lottery, and added the player they had their eyes on all along in Edgecombe.
George is in the second year of a max extension he signed as a free agent last summer, and at 35, he is clearly past his prime years. Edgecombe is a fast riser, and there are talks that he could replace George on the Sixers’ totem pole.
Last season, George averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 41 games. That was his lowest scoring average since 2015.
Known for his athleticism, Edgecombe averaged 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.1 steals per game in his lone season at Baylor. In two summer league games, he scored 28 and 15 points, proving that he is indeed ready for fast-paced NBA action.
ESPN and other sources have highlighted his potential to complement the 76ers’ backcourt with Maxey.
As for George, he underwent surgery on his left knee in July, and there is no definitive timetable for his return to action. He almost certainly won’t be ready for the start of the season. There’s no telling if Embiid will play on opening day either.
At 20, Edgecombe has tremendous upside. He played just one season at Baylor, but showed his versatility, athleticism and tremendous talent. He has experience with The Bahamas’ senior men’s national basketball team, playing significant minutes in their run to qualifying for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.
Edgecombe averaged 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.0 steals in four games in the FIBA (International Basketball Federation) Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Valencia, Spain, last summer, and The Bahamas came one game short of qualifying for the Olympics in men’s basketball.
Edgecombe is expected to ready for the Sixers’ regular season opener against the Boston Celtics. That game is slated for Wednesday October 22, starting at 7:30 p.m., at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
The Bahamian has a high ceiling, but is expected to come off the bench, at least for the first part of the season.
The Sixers’ starting shooting guard is likely to be Quentin Grimes. Last season, Grimes averaged a career-high 21.9 points, to go along with 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over 28 games with the 76ers.
There are high hopes for Edgecombe as the Sixers embark on the 2025-2026 NBA regular season.