VJ Edgecombe sure got the star treatment after his historic NBA debut in Boston on Wednesday. His performance even got him an appearance on Good Morning America the next day.
“It was super early after a late
game,” the rookie said, “but it was great.”
So, what does he have in store for an encore? Unsurprisingly, Edgecombe is simply focused on getting better.
“It’s just building blocks. Just trying to take steps in the right direction,” he said after practice Friday. “I played one NBA game. It don’t determine who I am as a player.”
Saturday’s home opener will be against the Hornets. Charlotte owned the No. 5 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft and selected Duke’s Kon Knueppel. Knueppel’s Blue Devils took down Edgecombe’s Baylor team in the NCAA Tournament.
Is there any extra juice for Edgecombe?
“Nah, every game is the same, man,” he said. “I’m not trying to compare myself. Comparison’s the thief of joy, man. I’m trying to be happy on the floor, I’m trying to have fun. I’m not worried about a certain player on the floor.“
No, Jalen Hurts did not show up to the Sixers practice facility Friday. Edgecombe simply does not carry himself like a typical 20-year-old.
His 34-point performance in a win over the Celtics has fans fired up. Suddenly, a season with low expectations and enthusiasm is must-see TV with Edgecombe, Tyrese Maxey and a group of exciting young players in the fold. Xfinity Mobile Arena should be rocking Saturday night.
Though he’s sort of been in hiding the past couple days (“So, nobody’s really seen me. I’ve been in my house.”), Edgecombe is excited to see a raucous crowd.
“I know Philly fans are passionate,” he said. “I’m expecting every game to be like that, even if I had a good game or not. … Just credit to the fans for showing love to the city, showing love to the sports teams. That’s the main thing. We’re all just trying to have a connection with the fans.”
Barlow’s versatility a plus
Two-way forward Dominick Barlow had a strong Sixers debut, stuffing the stat sheet with 13 points, eight rebounds, five assists and a block. He even closed the game at the five — something that was somewhat surprising.
Barlow has some experience playing the position from his stints in San Antonio and Atlanta, but Nurse was pretty steadfast during camp that he didn’t necessarily view Barlow as an option at the five.
The best laid plans …
The Sixers closed with a funky lineup featuring Maxey, Edgecome, Quentin Grimes, Kelly Oubre J.r at the four and Barlow. It seemed like a smart move by Nurse at the time and was proven to be by the team holding on for the win.
Nurse admitted that the Oubre-Barlow frontcourt was not a look that got many reps in practice. Does this mean Barlow is an option at the five moving forward?
“I mean, I guess he is,“ Nurse said with a laugh.
Edgecombe gave Barlow credit for stepping up in a big spot, thanks to the work he’s put in.
“Dom is a really good player. A really versatile player also,” Edgecombe said. “He does all the little things. Credit to Dom, man. I see him in here every day, working hard.”
Barlow was an intriguing piece even before his performance Wednesday. The rebounding stands out — especially for a Sixers team in dire need of it — but there’s much more to his game. He’s fairly skilled and makes good decisions with the basketball.
Nurse has taken notice.
“I think in an ideal world you want guys who can do multiple things, right?” he said. “And I think Barlow … he’s done one thing really well, which is to play really hard. 1A would be crashing the glass, but … he also knows what he’s doing out there. … He makes the right read, he can take it off the bounce a bit. I think that’s something that should grow a bit into his game. And I do believe that he’s going to shoot the ball at some point.”
The Sixers have an open standard roster spot. The 22-year-old might be destined to take it if he keeps this up.
Injury update
Not much to report here. Jared McCain was the only player who did not practice Friday.
While Paul George and Trendon Watford did participate, it doesn’t seem likely either will suit up for the home opener. The official injury report will be out early this evening.
