In this new series, Sixers Wire looks at the 16 players, per Spotrac, that comprise the Philadelphia 76ers roster — 14 under standard contracts and the two players on two-way deals — and gives each three goals for the 2026-27 season.
The new season begins on Oct. 20, and training camp is right around the corner. Now is the time to begin previewing the new season of adventure that is Sixers basketball.
Up next in this series is young guard VJ Edgecombe. The No. 3 pick of the 2025 draft had a helluva rookie season as he averaged 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in the 2025-26 season. He impressed in a number of areas and will be looking to make an impact on both ends while Philadelphia chases a title in the upcoming season.
For Edgecombe,
his three goals are as follows:
Bounce back from up and down postseason
As terrific as Edgecombe was in the regular season, and he did have a great moment in the playoffs, his overall postseason run was up-and-down. His scoring dipped to 14.0 points and his 3-point percentage dropped from 35.4% in the regular season to 29.2% in the playoffs. His overall field goal percentage dropped from 43.8% in the regular season to 41.4% in the playoffs. For the Sixers to take that next step, they will need Edgecombe to bounce back from his postseason run and find a way to be productive after what can be a grueling regular season.
Have his eyes on an All-Defensive Team
There is zero reason why Edgecombe can't be in All-Defensive conversations in the coming season. He has a great basketball IQ, has the physical tools to get it done with his length, speed, and quickness, and his toughness on that end of the floor should absolutely benefit him on the defensive end. If the Sixers can get him to take these steps forward, then he is going to be an elite two-way player at the end of the day. He is already there on the offensive end of the floor, but he needs that defensive component.
Soak up knowledge from James
Not everybody gets to be in the position of Edgecombe. He was able to learn a lot from Paul George in his rookie season, and now he's going to learn from arguably the greatest player to ever play the game in LeBron James. The wealth of knowledge and wisdom that James can pass down to Edgecombe can be super invaluable to his development and the second-year guard should absolutely keep his ears open and take any advice that James can offer to him at this stage of his career. It will go a long way in his growth.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers 3 goals: VJ Edgecombe needs to continue growth in second season
