VJ Edgecombe Finds Mentors in LeBron James and Jaylen Brown

The Philadelphia 76ers drafted VJ Edgecombe third overall in the 2025 NBA draft. In his rookie campaign he posted 16 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 43.8 % from the field. The team’s offseason moves added two future Hall-of-Fame caliber players—LeBron James, a four-time NBA Finals MVP, and Jaylen Brown, a two-time champion—to the roster alongside All-Stars Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.

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When asked about the impact of joining forces with James and Brown, Edgecombe emphasized learning and chemistry over any concerns about role changes. He said the primary goal is to win and that he will continue to play aggressively, whether that results in more or fewer shot attempts. Edgecombe also noted that his initial “starstruck” feeling after a FaceTime call with James is likely to fade once they share a locker room, and he plans to ask plenty of questions while staying focused on his development.

Philadelphia Inquirer

Edgecombe described the veteran trio as “humble men” who are “down to earth,” contrasting their demeanor with typical superstar expectations. He reiterated that his focus is on earning the respect of defenses—particularly from beyond the arc, where he shot 35.4 % on three-pointers last season—so that teammates can find open looks. The guard also dismissed external speculation about his role, stating that any chatter about a potential stall in his growth “doesn’t matter” because his priority remains winning.

Philadelphia Inquirer

• “It’s great. I’m learning. That’s the main thing for me, just learning and getting to know them. They’re all great persons and down to earth. They’re not acting super big time like they are. They’re really a bunch of humble men, so I'm just glad to be around them,” — James Edgecombe

Newsweek

• “I mean, it don’t matter what happens, there’s always going to be someone that has something to say,” — James Edgecombe

Philadelphia Inquirer

• “It’s fine if they don’t respect me, I’ll just get a bunch of open shots,” — James Edgecombe

Philadelphia Inquirer

• “It’ll probably go away once we’re together in the locker room or something,” — James Edgecombe

Philadelphia Inquirer

• “That’s the main thing for me — just learning, getting to know them,” — James Edgecombe

Philadelphia Inquirer

• Rookie averages: 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals per game.

Newsweek

• Field-goal percentage: 43.8 %.

Newsweek

• Three-point shooting: 35.4 % on 13.7 attempts per game.

Philadelphia Inquirer

Edgecombe’s comments suggest that the presence of James and Brown offers a rare mentorship opportunity for a second-year player, potentially accelerating his growth while the Sixers aim for a championship run.

Newsweek