VJ Edgecombe Turning Heads at Sixers’ Mini Camp Ahead of Summer League Clash with Ace Bailey
The buzz in Philly isn’t just about free agency or off-season trades this time around—it’s about the fresh talent. With the NBA Summer League right around the corner, the Philadelphia 76ers are quietly (but eagerly) prepping their roster in what they’re calling a “mini camp.” Basically, it’s a pre-Summer League training ground where the team gets an up-close look at its young guns, evaluates their progress, and maybe even finds the next big gem waiting to shine.
But let’s be honest: All eyes are locked on one name—VJ Edgecombe. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft has arrived in Philly with a whirlwind of hype, and from the early looks of things, he’s not just living up to expectations—he’s threatening to blow them out of the water.
Now, the plan for this camp isn't just to throw Edgecombe into the fire. The Sixers coaching staff, led during the summer by TJ DiLeo, is being strategic. They want to build Edgecombe’s game, not just showcase it. That means giving him plenty of touches, putting the ball in his hands, and seeing what he can do both on and off the rock. And early feedback? Let’s just say it’s been glowing.
🔥 Rookie Report: VJ Edgecombe, Built Different?
It’s not just his raw athleticism that’s catching everyone’s attention. Yes, Edgecombe was touted as one of the most explosive athletes in this year’s draft class, and yes, the dude looks like he’s built for highlight reels. But there’s more going on beneath the surface—he’s got feel. Court vision. A sense of when to push and when to pause. Summer League coach DiLeo summed it up best:
“He’s a smart player. He sees the floor well... He’s a threat to punch a gap at any time. So, defenses have to respect that,” DiLeo said. “We’re keeping it pretty simple for everybody right now—we want early attacks—and he’s done a tremendous job of that so far.”
In other words, the kid’s got juice and IQ. And that combo? That’s how you build stars.
🧪 Experiment Mode: Letting VJ Cook
What’s cool about this summer setup is the experimental vibe. The Sixers aren’t locking Edgecombe into a traditional role—they’re letting him stretch out and test his full game. That means running some offense, playing off-ball, and trying out different looks against real competition. It's like giving your top rookie a lab to tinker in.
This isn’t just valuable for VJ—it’s crucial for the team. Philly’s front office needs to know if they’ve got a potential future franchise cornerstone here. Is Edgecombe just athletic, or is he a dynamic creator? Can he break down defenses with the ball in his hands? How does he fit next to the veterans when the real season rolls around? These summer reps will help answer that.
And he’s not out there alone. Another young name making some noise? Fellow rookie Johni Broome, who’s already dropping praise bombs on his teammate.
“He’s a great player, obviously,” Broome said. “He gets downhill whenever he wants to, and he’s scary when he does. He’s very athletic. He’s a playmaker, and he makes the guys around him better. On defense? He’ll pick you up full court and just cause havoc.”
That’s high praise from a fellow competitor—and it’s the kind of quote that makes fans pay attention.
⛹️♂️ Who’s Got Next: VJ vs. Ace Bailey
Circle the calendar—Saturday in Salt Lake City. That’s when the Sixers tip off their Summer League schedule, and it won’t be a gentle opener. They’ll be facing off against the Utah Jazz and their rookie star Ace Bailey, another highly-touted pick from this year’s class. In fact, some scouts had Bailey ahead of Edgecombe in their mock drafts.
So yeah, it’s personal.
This early showdown between two of the top-three picks is going to be must-see basketball. For Edgecombe, it’s a chance to show the world—and himself—that the Sixers made the right move at No. 3. For Bailey? It’s about proving he should’ve gone higher.
Expect fireworks.
🔍 The Bigger Picture: What Philly Wants to See
Beyond the one-on-one matchups and highlight reels, what do the Sixers really want from this summer? Development. Plain and simple. They're watching their second-year guys closely too—hoping to see some serious growth from last year’s class, especially those who didn’t get much run during the regular season.
The mini camp is also a place to identify potential system fits. What roles make sense for these players long-term? Who can defend at an NBA level? Who understands spacing? Who can knock down open looks consistently?
The Sixers have a good mix of athletes, shooters, and versatile wings in the pipeline, and this summer could be a key moment for the franchise to figure out what kind of depth they’re working with heading into training camp this fall.
💥 Edgecombe: More Than Just Hype?
Let’s face it—every fan base wants their top pick to become a star. But with VJ Edgecombe, there’s already a sense that this isn’t just another project. His athleticism is real. His decision-making? Already better than expected. And his effort level? Off the charts.
Sure, it’s still early. We haven’t seen him in a full-speed, regular-season game yet. But the Sixers are giving him the tools, the coaching, and the green light to grow fast. That’s a good sign for everyone involved.
And if his mini camp performance is any indication, Sixers fans might have something very special on their hands.
📌 Key Takeaways:
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VJ Edgecombe, the Sixers’ No. 3 pick, is already impressing coaches and teammates during mini camp.
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The Sixers are letting him experiment with different roles to expand his skillset ahead of Summer League.
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Fellow rookie Johni Broome praised Edgecombe’s athleticism and defensive presence.
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Edgecombe’s big Summer League debut is Saturday in Salt Lake City vs. Ace Bailey and the Utah Jazz.
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Sixers are focused on player development and evaluating young talent for future system fits.
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