Rivers commented on Edgecombe’s potential, saying, “Edgecombe has a chance to be really good, because he has the makeup and having Maxey around him. Maybe too small [the combination], but we’ll see.” He added, “[I like his] edge. I don’t know where he’ll be offensively. He’s ahead of where I thought he was already. But he’s going to be an elite defensive player in the NBA. That’s coming, and you can see that.”
Rivers coached the Sixers for three seasons before moving on to the Milwaukee Bucks for a three-year stint after the 2022-2023 season. Subsequently, Nick Nurse took over coaching duties in Philadelphia.
VJ Edgecombe’s rookie season with the Sixers saw him appear in 75 games, starting all of them. He shot 43.8% from the field and connected on 35.4% of his three-pointers, averaging 5.6 attempts per game and 16.0 points per game. In addition to scoring, Edgecombe averaged 4.2 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game.
The duo of Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey showcased the potential for one of the NBA’s premier backcourts in the coming years. While both players are considered undersized for their positions, Rivers emphasized the high ceiling and fundamental talents that could propel their development.
Edgecombe, who played college basketball at Baylor, joined the Sixers as a first-round selection after the 2024-2025 season. The club had earned a protected pick from a prior trade and moved up to No. 3 overall, ultimately choosing Edgecombe over another standout prospect.
In postseason action, Edgecombe and the Sixers faced competitive scrutiny, including a first-round series against the Boston Celtics, with Edgecombe contributing as a core rotational piece. The impression he left during his rookie year underscored the potential Rivers referenced: a strong two-way defender with growing offensive capabilities and a promising trajectory alongside Maxey.
Key stats from Edgecombe’s rookie year reinforce the outlook: 16.0 points per game, 4.2 assists per game, 5.6 rebounds per game, 1.4 steals per game, shooting 43.8% from the field and 35.4% from three on about 5.6 three-point attempts per game. These numbers illustrate the foundation for a multifaceted NBA contributor who could evolve into a high-impact player on both ends of the floor.
Overall, Rivers’ assessment centers on Edgecombe’s defensive instincts, work ethic, and the developmental environment with Maxey beside him. While questions about size persist, the combination of talent and opportunity positions Edgecombe as a player to watch as Philadelphia aims to build a potent backcourt that could shape the team’s future success.
