After being drafted third overall by the Sixers in this year’s NBA Draft, VJ Edgecombe was virtually introduced to the Philadelphia media.
When asked about his approach defensively, he made it clear.
“My mentality is not letting anybody score,” Edgecombe said. “I just hate to see other people score… that’s my thing, I just do not like seeing other people score.”
With that mentality and a defensive-minded coach like Nick Nurse, Edgecombe could find his way on the court early.
Instincts and Switch-ability
When he arrived in Waco, he quickly established himself as a lockdown perimeter disruptor. Scouts tabbed him as “hyper-athletic,” and he was able to go out and show his pedigree every night. He is listed at 6’4 with a 6’7.5 wingspan, which will allow him to guard multiple positions in the NBA.
At Baylor he guarded point guards, combo guards, and wings during his time at Baylor. His agility and length will help him in the NBA to be able to provide great help defense and assist when closing out on shooters.
Takeaway specialist
While at Baylor, Edgecombe averaged 2.1 steals per game and set a Baylor freshman record with 68 total steals in a season. He attacked passing lanes, dived on loose balls, and contested shots well enough to get a few blocks here and there. His advanced defensive metrics showed that he wasn’t just an active player, but he was disruptive and could bring that same skillset to the Sixers. His steal rate was tied for fourth in the Big 12 and showed he was able to defend and generate turnovers without fouling.
The newest Sixers was the defensive engine at Baylor and his defensive ability allowed him to convert turnovers into points in transition. The Sixers desperate need good perimeter defenders and ones that can guard multiple positions to alleviate teams hunting mismatches. If he brings his defensive mentality to the Sixers, he may find his way on the court playing important minutes, even if his offensive hasn’t evolved just yet.
