This year’s crop of NBA rookies is so impressive that it’s easy to overlook VJ Edgecomb sometimes. The Philadelphia 76ers picked him third in the 2025 draft, and although he started strong, his performance dipped a bit, allowing players like Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, Conn Knuppel, and D’Eriq Queen to capture more attention. Still, Edgecomb is a vital part of a Sixers team aiming for the playoffs, averaging over 35 minutes per game and contributing significantly across various stats, including making 38 percent of his three-pointers. At 6’4″, he’s still developing, but he shows promise as a potential two-way starter.
Edgecomb’s standout trait is his athleticism, particularly showcased by his ability to execute chase-down blocks. He made some remarkable blocks during his lone collegiate season at Baylor University, and that skill is already appearing in the NBA. Just last Thursday, he demonstrated what only a guard of his stature could do.
In a play where Flagg delivered a breakaway pass to Brandon Williams, Edgecomb chased him down, blocking the shot first with his left hand and then his right, all in one move. You can see it here:
Let’s examine the play from another perspective.
And here’s a slow-motion view of that impressive block:
Edgecomb is bound to become a strong player, whether he emerges as a star or settles into a solid role. His athleticism is among the best in the league; he’s always in contention for steals, blocks, and rebounds, plus he’s capable of hitting catch-and-shoot threes. That’s a fantastic base to build on, particularly if the coach trusts him enough to put him 11th in minutes per game for a rookie.
It’s somewhat astonishing to consider that Edgecomb could rank as only the fifth-best rookie this year. Each of the top four picks has already delivered impressive performances, and he’s a part of that. Taking into account hidden gems like Queen, Jeremiah Fiers with the Pelicans, Cedric Coward from the Grizzlies, and Ryan Kalkbrenner with the Hornets, this rookie class certainly lives up to the excitement and expectations.
On Thursday, the Sixers triumphed over the Mavs, and Edgecomb delivered his best moment of the night, outscoring Flagg in a face-off between top rookies. His future looks promising.
