In this year’s NBA Summer League, the Philadelphia 76ers selected the incredibly athletic VJ Edgecombe with the third pick. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall, this dual-threat guard is viewed as a future prospect, reminiscent of the pre-injury Victor Oladipo. However, VJ’s performance on the offensive end has been inconsistent, leading to him being seen as an average 3-and-D player for now. In his Summer League debut against the Jazz, he showcased his extraordinary talent with an impressive stat line of 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists. Yet, in the game against the Wizards, his shooting percentage plummeted to just 29%, and he scored only 15 points. This stark contrast in performance has raised questions about his consistency. This article will delve into VJ Edgecombe’s strengths in driving, playmaking, and defense, as well as his future development potential.
First, when it comes to his attacking style, VJ undeniably showcases his strength in fast breaks, with a speed that leaves opponents guessing, reminiscent of the familiar Tyrese Maxey. His explosiveness and finishing touch make him nearly impossible to defend against during these fast-paced plays. Furthermore, his ball-handling skills in transition are impressive as well; he remains calm under pressure, carefully observing the situation on the court and finding the right teammates to collaborate with. This performance highlights his potential basketball IQ, undoubtedly one of the standout aspects of his career.
However, when it comes to penetrating during positional play, VJ faced some challenges. His ability to change speeds has shown some limitations against NBA-level defenses, affecting his breakthrough capability in one-on-one situations. Although he tries to find the best positions while dribbling, he often receives the ball in less-than-ideal spots, which restricts his subsequent offensive options. Therefore, it can be inferred that penetration will not be a reliable scoring method for him in the near future.
In terms of passing, VJ demonstrates remarkable judgment; he can quickly read defensive movements and make the right passing choices, creating numerous scoring opportunities for his teammates. Although his pick-and-roll offense is still developing, the daily improvement in his basketball IQ is clearly evident. Notably, he generates an average of 33 points per game for his team, placing him at the top among rookies, which validates his overall value.
When it comes to shooting, VJ had a three-point shooting percentage of 34% during his college years, but he struggled with only a 15.4% accuracy at the start of the summer league. This might be related to a hand injury; however, his performance in mid-range shots has been impressive. VJ’s ability to execute a quick stop-and-shoot from mid-range showcases his tremendous potential. Drawing inspiration from last year’s McCain, if he can adjust and improve his shooting feel, he could display an even better form in the upcoming season. VJ’s mid-range shooting in the summer league suggests that he could evolve into a critical scoring option during playoff games, enhancing the team’s offensive versatility.
