In the NBA’s blockbuster regular season opener for 2025-26, V.J. Edgecombe made major headlines of his own.
The Philadelphia 76ers rookie delivered a one-for-the-books performance this past Wednesday, registering 34 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal to carry his team's 117-116 road victory against the Boston Celtics.
His scoring output smashed several compelling records, as he surpassed Allen Iverson (30) for most points by a Sixer in his debut. Expanding the scope league-wide, he now holds the third-highest scoring debut, right after Frank Selvy (35) and the late Wilt Chamberlain (43).
What Edgecombe showed against Boston was simply jaw-dropping. He flashed intense athleticism and quickness, while his finishing and slashing ability terrorized the Celtics’ perimeter and interior.
Edgecombe's showmanship made ESPN’s Tim MacMahon convinced that he is comparable to one of the greatest players of all time.
“Edgecombe reminds me of young Dwyane Wade,” the ESPN expert said on The Hoop Collective Podcast. “He's that combo guard size with more of a shooting guard game. He's such an explosive downhill attacking type of athlete.”
VJ EDGECOMBE JUST HAD THE MOST POINTS IN AN NBA DEBUT SINCE WILT CHAMBERLAIN 🚨🚨🚨
— NBA (@NBA) October 23, 2025
34 for the #3 pick... 3rd highest-scoring debut ever in the @sixers win! Pic.twitter.com/xwjvqMZcsH
A young Dwyane Wade is an intriguing player comparison for Edgecombe.
The Hall of Famer was a remarkably lethal slasher during his playing days and exhibited immense athleticism that made him a basketball superstar for the Miami Heat. Making the comparison even more exciting for the 76ers is the potential Edgecombe displayed as a shooter, draining 5-of-13 of his shots beyond the arc against Boston.
As the Sixers aim to return to the league’s competitive picture, Edgecombe will be an instrumental piece. The sky’s the limit for the 20-year-old as Philadelphia now has a new gem beyond Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
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