Philadelphia 76ers' Key VJ Edgecombe Concern Post-2025 NBA Summer League

A Promising Start for VJ Edgecombe

VJ Edgecombe, the Philadelphia 76ers' rookie guard, has already made a strong impression during the 2025 NBA Summer League. Known for his high-energy play and ability to make big plays above the rim, fans were eager to see how his college game would translate to the professional level. Edgecombe came out of Baylor with a unique skill set that included not only scoring but also defensive versatility and playmaking abilities.

Despite being limited by a thumb contusion that kept him out of several games, Edgecombe still managed to showcase his talents in the two contests he played. He averaged over 20 points per game, contributed significantly in assists and rebounds, and even showed off his defensive skills by forcing turnovers. His basketball IQ was evident as he focused on team success rather than individual stats, making smart decisions on the court.

Edgecombe had set a goal to improve his point guard skills, and while he didn’t immediately become a second coming of Chris Paul, he demonstrated an ability to make the right plays regardless of who had the ball. Whether it was passing, cutting, or defending, he showed a willingness to adapt and contribute in various ways.

However, there is one area where Edgecombe needs to focus more: his 3-point shooting. During the Summer League, he shot just 15.4% from beyond the arc, which is a concern for his development as a player. In the two games he played, he attempted 13 three-pointers but made only two, highlighting a significant inefficiency.

There are some factors that could explain this poor shooting performance. The first is the difference in the 3-point line between college and the NBA. The college line is closer to the basket, and adjusting to the longer distance can take time. Additionally, Edgecombe’s thumb injury likely affected his shooting mechanics, making it harder for him to maintain his usual form.

In college, Edgecombe wasn't an elite outside shooter, averaging 4.6 three-point attempts per game with a 34% accuracy rate. However, he did show a commitment to improving his shooting, taking more 3-point shots than he did in previous seasons. This suggests a willingness to adapt and grow as a player.

During the Summer League, Edgecombe was clearly the best player on the court, even with his injury. Opposing coaches recognized his talent and treated him accordingly. But as the regular season approaches, his role will change. He will need to embrace a complementary role, relying more on his defense, passing, and rebounding rather than his ISO scoring.

This shift means he will have more opportunities to take outside shots as an outlet option. How well he connects on these shots could significantly impact his rookie season and the 76ers’ overall performance in the 2025-26 campaign.

While there are concerns about his 3-point shooting, there is also optimism about his potential. Edgecombe's athleticism, defensive skills, and basketball IQ give him a solid foundation to build upon. With continued effort and refinement, he could become a valuable asset to the 76ers.

Fans are watching closely as Edgecombe continues to develop, and his journey from college star to NBA rookie will be one to follow. His ability to adapt and improve will be crucial in determining his success at the next level.