Sixers Rookie Explains Nerve-Wracking Draft Process

This year’s rookie class is absolutely incredible. The highlight is obviously the Rookie of the Year race between Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel. Both players look like they are on the road to superstardom and are putting up historic rookie numbers. Those aren’t the only two from the 2025 rookie class to impress, either. 

VJ Edgecombe of the Philadelphia 76ers has also been amazing. Edgecombe shot out of the gate of his rookie season and instantly became one of the best rookies in the class. While his play has calmed down of late, he is still putting up solid rookie numbers. He is averaging 14.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. 

Edgecombe recently talked about this rookie process and how he wasn’t as confident then than he seems to be on the court now. 

I went to the combine—it was solid. You know, all my measurements… they’re like, ‘Oh, he’s not as tall as they say he is. His wingspan isn’t as long.’ I had all types of stuff coming around. Then I went to work out, and I’ll be honest: I only worked out for one team. took my chance—I ain’t gonna lie. That was Philly. I only worked out for Philly. I went there and, damn, I ain’t gonna lie, I shot like four air-balls. I was nervous as hell. But after that, I was like, ‘Man, they draft me or not, it’s whatever at this point.’ I wasn’t even trying to trip about it. But yeah, bro, I ain’t gonna lie—I’ve never been so nervous. You got the owners, you got everybody on the baseline and the sideline just watching you. It’s your workout—only you in there with the coaches.”

While Edgecombe might have worried about being drafted by the Sixers, the Sixers are certainly happy they drafted him. Edgecombe could easily be a star in this league, and while he might not be the best rookie in his class, he is still destined for big things.