INGLEWOOD, CA – – Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe delivered a standout performance at the NBA’s Rising Stars event, culminating in a Most Valuable Player award and signaling a promising future for both the player and the franchise. The 20-year-old guard led Team Vince to a night victory over Team Melo, securing the win with clutch free throws in a 25-24 final.
Edgecombe’s performance, totaling 23 points across both games of the Rising Stars Challenge, was characterized by timely scoring and composure under pressure. He scored 17 points in the semi-final against Team T-Mac, including a crucial 10-point run to close out the game and secure his team’s advancement. “There was no pressure,” Edgecombe said after the game. “Free throws, man. I just try to be dialed in, try to be focused at the line. Free throws are precious. Obviously tonight, we needed them to win the game. I just focused and made them.”
The Rising Stars event, held at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, offered a platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills during the NBA All-Star weekend. While often viewed as a less competitive showcase, this year’s event saw a noticeable shift in intensity, with players demonstrating a clear desire to compete. Team Vince guard Jaylen Wells of the Memphis Grizzlies told Yahoo Sports, “We wanted to compete. Set the tone for the weekend, and a lot of guys on the team wanted to win. And the last one is money! We get paid!”
Edgecombe’s success comes at a pivotal moment for the 76ers, who currently hold a record of 30-24 and sixth place in the Eastern Conference as of the All-Star break. The team is navigating a challenging period with star center Joel Embiid managing a right knee issue and forward Paul George serving a 25-game suspension. Edgecombe’s development and contribution become even more critical.
Drafted third overall in the 2025 NBA draft, Edgecombe has quickly established himself as a key component of the 76ers’ backcourt, forming a promising partnership with All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey. Through 50 games, he is averaging 14.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. Statistically, he ranks among the top 21 players in the league posting those numbers with at least 2.5 win shares, alongside only Cooper Flagg among rookies.
While Edgecombe’s raw statistics are encouraging, analysts point to areas for refinement. His points per 100 shot attempts (105.5) place him in the 34th percentile among combo guards, and his points per touch (0.212) is middle of the pack. However, his ability to handle the ball and limit turnovers (70th percentile in turnover rate) is a significant asset. The 76ers’ offense, according to data from Second Spectrum, performs better with Edgecombe on the court, highlighting his positive impact despite areas for growth.
The Rising Stars performance also reflects a broader trend of increased seriousness among young players participating in All-Star weekend events. Players like Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs were observed actively discussing game strategy immediately after the final buzzer, indicating a heightened level of competitive focus. This shift may be attributed, in part, to a pre-event address by NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who emphasized the importance of leveraging the league as a platform for personal and professional development.
Abdul-Jabbar reportedly encouraged players to view All-Star weekend as an opportunity to build their brand and invest in their future, a message that resonated with Edgecombe. “Man, it felt like a dream,” Edgecombe said. “Just because he’s someone of such status. He’s in a place, a tier of his own — him, [Michael] Jordan, the GOATs of basketball.”
Looking ahead, Edgecombe’s focus remains on contributing to the 76ers’ playoff push. “It feels great to win the MVP of the Rising Stars game,” he stated. “But I’m focused. My next focus is the push after the All-Star break. After the break, we’ve just got to make a push. We’re still in the hunt for that playoff spot. Just got to stay together, keep hooping and trusting each other. I feel like we’re a dangerous team if we’re healthy. I stand on that.” The 76ers will need to rely on Edgecombe’s continued development and versatility as they navigate the remainder of the season without key contributors.
