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76ers Rookie VJ Edgecombe Lands on ESPN’s NBA 25-Under-25 List

Philadelphia, PA – Despite being a rookie, 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe has already made a splash, landing at No. 19 on ESPN’s annual NBA 25-under-25 rankings. The list, released Friday, ranks the league’s top young players based on long-term potential.

Edgecombe, drafted third overall by the Sixers, finds himself sandwiched between fellow rookies Kon Knueppel (Hornets, No. 17) and Dylan Harper (Spurs, No. 18). Notably, he’s ranked ahead of Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (No. 20), last year’s Most Improved Player runner-up, as well as Wizards center Alex Sarr (No. 22) and Bulls guard Josh Giddey (No. 23).

ESPN’s Brian Woo cited Edgecombe’s “explosiveness attacking the paint and flashes of defensive playmaking” as reasons for his high ranking. Woo emphasized the importance of Edgecombe’s development alongside Tyrese Maxey for the 76ers’ future.

The article also highlights areas for improvement, noting Edgecombe’s need to become more efficient with his shot selection and ball-handling skills. His early-season shooting struggles, coupled with being slightly undersized for a shooting guard, were noted.

While some may question his ranking relative to players like Daniels and Giddey, ESPN suggests Edgecombe’s potential outweighs Daniels’ recent offensive struggles and Giddey’s status as a more “finished product.” The article concludes that Edgecombe’s defensive IQ and winning plays should secure his place on future 25-under-25 lists. Once players like Anthony Edwards and Cade Cunningham age out of eligibillity, Edgecombe could threaten for a top 10 spot.

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