Philadelphia 76ers Rookie Sets Expectations High For His First NBA Season

The Philadelphia 76ers were one of the NBA's most disappointing teams a season ago despite acquiring Paul George, but heading into the 2025/26 season, it appears things are looking up. Not only will the team get both Jared McCain and Joel Embiid healthy, but they also landed the No. 3 overall pick in the NBA Draft and as a result, Baylor Stud VJ Edgecombe.

The 6-foot-5 shooting guard comes to the league with plenty of talent on the back of a season in which he averaged 15, 6 and 3 for a very good Baylor Bears team. He also doesn't lack for confidence, as the 19-year old has made a very bold statement about his first season in the NBA.

"I feel like we have a chance to go to the finals...I want to win a championship."

That's a very bold claim and a very confident young man coming to the league, and with the roster around him, it's very easy to see why he and the organization are so optimistic. In the absence of George, the team saw a breakout campaign from Quentin Grimes, and with the possibility of running out a Tyrese Maxey/Grimes/George/Oubre/Embiid starting lineup with McCain, Edgecombe and Justin Edwards led group off the bench, this could be a fun team.

They'll no doubt be a contender in the Eastern Conference, but with teams like Milwaukee, Cleveland, New York and Orlando all set to feature in the NBA Playoffs in a big way, it's safe to say that not many will give this team a chance heading into the season.