VJ Edgecombe had a historic debut for the Sixers on Wednesday, scoring the most points in a rookie debut since Wilt Chamberlain, writes Kurt Helin for NBC Sports.
After starting the game with 14 first-quarter points, Edgecombe finished with 34 for the game, the third-highest mark ever for a rookie in his first NBA outing. He also added seven rebounds, three assists, and five three-pointers.
“We certainly needed the offense, and he certainly just looked pretty comfortable out there,” head coach Nick Nurse said after the game. “Again, I think that’s probably one thing I’ve noticed the most about him, is he seems to really know what’s going on out there for a young player. You just don’t see him making silly mistakes, or many mistakes. He is just playing the right way. He’s got a very good feel for the game.”
It wasn’t all perfect for the third overall pick. Edgecombe went to the line with a one-point lead and 7.3 seconds on the clock and missed both free throws, but the Celtics were unable to take advantage, allowing the Sixers to escape with the win.
We have more Sixers notes:
- Prior to Wednesday’s opener, Tyrese Maxey reflected on his path to becoming a leader with this Philadelphia team. “I used to always smile, but I know that I can’t be that guy anymore,” Maxey said told Tony Jones of The Athletic. “I kind of leave it up to Jared (McCain) and VJ. I want them to be extremely happy and have fun and just focus on playing basketball. That’s what they deserve to do.” One thing Maxey is focused on is letting go of a disaster 2024/25 season. On Wednesday, he took a good first step in that direction, leading the team to a win over Boston with 40 points on 24 shots and six assists to just one turnover.
- One of the hardest things for a superstar to do is accept their limitations, but that’s exactly what Joel Embiid has been forced to do, writes Keith Pompey for the Philadelphia Inquirer. Embiid knows he’s perceived differently after the injuries that have caused him to lose so much time. “We got a bunch of athletes,” Embiid said. “We’ve got to release them… They’ve got to run. My job is to find them and, in a way, that also kind of saves me, because if we get early baskets and easy baskets, I won’t have to run up and down. I can just let those guys push the pace, attack. And if we don’t have anything, I’ve always trailed anyway in my career. Then I can come in and get into the offense.” In the season opener, Embiid was limited to four points on 1-of-9 shooting while playing just 20 minutes. Nurse confirmed ahead of the game that Embiid would be on a minutes restriction, Pompey reported (via Twitter).
- Two-way big man Dominick Barlow got the start for the Sixers and ended the night with 13 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and one block in 34 minutes. After a strong preseason, he continued to impress, causing Jones to predict (via Twitter) that Barlow will have his contract converted to a standard NBA deal at some point this season.
Well well well how the turn tables.
And Al wants to play him in G league till he is ready lol
link to yardbarker.com
Yeah I still play him G-league. No 19 yr old is ready for real mins. Unless you have an NBA body. It’s called protecting your investment. Also don’t forget I also said he could be best in draft another Vince. BEFORE the draft. One game does it for you ha ha.
He was 13/26 took more shots than anyone. He played more mins than anyone 42mins. With Sixers history “You better have a GROUP prayer” every time he plays. Today it worked, I’m happy for him. I still rather see him have a great career than a great game. Not a big deal to be a rotation guy first. Players play in G-league and play tor the parent club too. I guess you don’t know what that means.
Vaya con Dios VJ …….. you know I love ya
I know that no team plays a top 3 pick in g league lol. I’m sure he has ups and downs, but this is why you start him and play him in the big leagues
Rockets did a rookie season of g league with Sheppard last season. VJ has an Nba body already compared to some of the other players.
You got #1 picks in every sport that sit for a yr or more to learn and adapt. You think cause it’s basketball they have to play. You know squat. Keep playing him …….
Any 19 yr old you think is ready to play or start in NBA. Means you don’t care enough about him. Or your team sucks.
Harper the #2 pick came off the bench played 20 mins (has NBA body). And that’s with Fox out. Did Kobe play his first year. Cooper had a terrible game and he has an NBA body. Castle the ROY who was 20 yrs old. Came off the bench for first half of season. Avg 26 mins a game.
NBA players drafted before 1971 played four yrs of college. And still sat to wait their turn. This ain’t tennis lol.
The longevity of my player is more important than winning a game. Or what fans think.
The guy your saying isn’t ready did something that hasn’t happened in most fans lifetimes since Wilt the stilt in 1959. 76ers are starting a real rebuild and have 2 long term pieces in VJ and Maxey. They can’t tank as easily as some other teams being in the awful eastern conference. Embiid is Ben Simmons all over again as an albatross contract that they’re stuck with this time, they can’t move him as fools gold for a good player.
Let’s hope it isn’t a MCW debut
The box score doesn’t do it full justice either. VJ had some electrifying dunks. I really hope he enters the dunk contest.
I think he’s going to play with a chip all year, maybe even his career just to show people he’s better than Ace and the Sixers didn’t mess up.
Two things that come in my mind.
Was huge on Edgecombe before he exploded last year around mid February – NCAA tourney time. Looked like the only thing that was a negative was hit shooting and playmaking skills. I’m happy for him. He’s built like a unit. Maxey/McCain/Edgecombe will be a devastating young trio for years to come. Hope they stay healthy.
2nd item – Embiid needs to come off the bench as a 6th man at this conjecture of his career. He’s turning 32 during the NBA season. Playing him 20-25 minutes per game can still help this team win, he can be out there in the 4th quarter versus most teams. It’s up to him if he wants to sacrifice his PT and stats for the betterment of the team.
Greatest trio in Phily since Boys II Men.
Just wanted to throw that reference.
Without a doubt the worst game I’ve ever seen Embiid play. He was moving so slow, he couldn’t even take Xavier Tillman on a drive to the basket. I don’t know where the Sixers think he is at in terms of health, but if you’re a Sixers fan you have to hope that that was just a lot of rust because if that is what he is now capable of, we’re screwed.
Philly is always screwed. You hadn’t noticed?
Is it an overreaction to think that the Sixers may have gotten the best player in a very strong draft? Is it also an overreaction that Embid is toast ?
Valdez. Drexel. Edgecombe. Junior. Kid’s going places.