The Philadelphia 76ers played their final preseason game Friday, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 126-110.
The Sixers had three players finish with more than 20 points, including rookie V.J. Edgecombe. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 Draft stuffed the stat sheet in 34 minutes, recording 26 points, six rebounds, five steals and three assists while shooting 55.6 percent from the field.
Not only did Edgecombe impress on both ends of the floor, but the team also got a look at his ability to facilitate the offense alongside Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.
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V.J. Edgecombe's ‘feel for the game’ complimented by Nick Nurse
Head coach Nick Nurse was impressed by the 20-year-old's poise, and he praised the rookie's impact on the offensive end, according to PHLY Sports.
“V.J. does a heck of a job of organizing them [his teammates]; that's the hard part of being the point guard or bringing the ball up,” Nurse said. “He's calling the plays and moving people around and getting us in our sets, which is great to see. He's got a good feel for the game.”
The Baylor product's two-way impact was on full display this preseason, during which he averaged 16.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.0 steals across 29.5 minutes per game in three appearances. However, he shot just 25.0 percent from three-point range, which will certainly be a point of emphasis for the youngster moving forward.
Edgecombe has an opportunity to carve out a significant role immediately this season, and his athleticism on top of his feel for the game will be key for the Sixers’ success.
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