As it turns out, Bahamian Valdez ‘VJ’ Edgecombe, of the Philadelphia 76ers, will have a legitimate shot to go after the rookie of the year award in the National Basketball Association (NBA) this season, along with other accolades.
The Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting that the Sixers are planning on starting the 6’4” 180-pound guard out of Baylor this evening when they take on the Boston Celtics. Edgecombe had a strong training camp and ensuing preseason, averaging 16.67 points in three games. In the finale, he exploded for 26 points and added six rebounds, five steals and three assists.
With nine-time NBA all-star Paul George set to miss the start of the season, there was speculation that Edgecombe could crack the starting lineup on opening day. Sixers’ Head Coach Nick Nurse confirmed that speculation, indicating that the Bahamian phenom will start as a wing player, complementing starting point guard Tyrese Maxey.
In various reports, Nurse “all but” confirmed Edgecombe’s first-unit role, citing that his health appears to be cooperating.
Edgecombe arrived at the Sixers training facility following the draft with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. He balled out in two summer league games, recording 28 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in the opener, and then dropping in 15 points, to go along with six rebounds, four assists and two steals in the other game.
Edgecombe then went on to show that same level of talent in training camp and in preseason basketball.
The Bahamian basketball star was taken with the third overall pick by the Sixers in June’s NBA Draft. In his lone collegiate season for the Baylor University Bears, he averaged 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.1 steals per game, solidifying himself as one of the top players in college basketball.
After playing two preseason games, Edgecombe sat out a third with left hip soreness. He returned for the preseason finale against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday and exploded for 26 points, helping the Sixers record a 126-110 win.
Edgecombe and the Sixers travel to the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, to play the Celtics in their regular season opener. That game is slated for tonight, starting at 7:30 p.m.
Edgecombe is expected to play significant minutes, and given what he has showed offensively and defensively so far, it could be a big beginning for the Bahamian.
The other Bahamian on the Sixers’ roster, Eric ‘EJ’ Gordon, is expected to play tonight as well. Gordon has a clean bill of health after undergoing right wrist surgery in February.
As for Edgecombe, he said he’s just cherishing the moment, and looking forward to the start of the season. He is already proving that he could be a significant addition to the Sixers’ team this year.