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The No. 3 pick drops 25 and the game-winner
Valdez Drexel Edgecombe Jr. has hit the ground running for the Philadelphia 76ers. The number three overall pick in the 2025 draft seems to only be getting better as the games go on. Already finding himself as every night starter but growing into a focal point in the offense along with becoming one of the Sixers’ most trusted defenders. His impact off the ball has helped the Sixers propel into the 5th seed in the East with a 17-14 record through the end of December. VJ’s blend of explosive athleticism and smart play has been a breath of fresh air for a team dealing with ups and downs, especially injuries to guys like Embiid.
Coming out of Baylor, where he flashed two-way potential, VJ has translated it seamlessly to the pros. He’s averaging 15.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game on 42% shooting. But stats don’t tell the full story – he’s locking down perimeter guards, throwing down wild dunks, and making smart cuts or extra passes that fit perfectly alongside Maxey and Embiid. The kid plays hard every possession, and it’s contagious.
Sixers dust off tough three game skid:
After a rough skid and three-game losing streak that had fans worried, VJ got the Sixers back on track last night against the Memphis Grizzlies. It was a shootout at FedExForum, with Joel Embiid dropping 34 points and 10 boards. But VJ stole the spotlight in overtime. Tied at 136-136, with 1.7 seconds left, he drained a three off an inbound play for a 139-136 win. He finished with 25 points (10-of-21 FG, 5-of-10 from deep), six rebounds, four assists, four steals, and a block in 41 minutes. That dagger wasn’t just clutch – it’s the stuff Philly legends are made of.
Postgame, VJ stayed humble, crediting teammates: “My teammates have faith in us to make a play, and that’s what happened” (WSLS). But that grin gave away how big it felt. This isn’t his only highlight – think back to his 22 points while clamping Brunson against the Knicks, or that double-double vs. Boston to end an earlier slump. VJ consistently steps up.
Head coach Nick Nurse on his maturity: “He’s kind of like that all the time… I never see him show much emotion. I think it’s an incredible quality. He just plays the game” (WSLS). Nurse has ramped up his minutes, and it’s paying dividends. VJ’s quiet confidence cuts through the hype.
While Cooper Flagg grabs headlines as the heavy ROY favorite at -600 odds, VJ is climbing with his athletic finishes, clutch shots, defense, and IQ. His odds are around +6000, but performances like last night could change that fast. Others like Kon Knueppel and Derik Queen are in the conversation, but VJ’s all-around impact on a contender sets him apart. His style and passion have Sixers fans buzzing with hope for the future. Playoffs looming – if he keeps this up, Philly could make serious noise. This rookie’s just scratching the surface.
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Jake Mayson
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