PHILADELPHIA — Ahead of the Sixers' third matchup of the season against their division rivals, the New York Knicks, visiting head coach Mike Brown addressed the media, discussing a number of topics, including Philadelphia's electric rookie VJ Edgecombe.
The Knicks coach was quick to praise Edgecombe for his elite athleticism, as well as the maturity he's shown across various areas at a young age.
"Here's a young guy that wasn't, quote, unquote, known as a shooter coming out of college," Brown began. "And his ability, you know, his athleticism, his ball handling in college, he was gonna probably be able to come get a shot on this level. But his ability to shoot the three-ball, whether it's off the bounce or off the movement, is at a really high level, especially this early in his career. And again, I don't know him at all, but from the outside looking in, that must tell you that he's a worker."
Edgecombe has exploded onto the scene in his rookie season. Over the course of 39 games, Edgecombe has started in every game he's played, and averaged 15.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.5 steals.
Two of the biggest questions surrounding Edgecombe were how his shot and facilitation ability would translate to the NBA. So far, he's appeared far more advanced than anyone anticipated, in large part a result of the relentless work Edgecombe puts in behind the scenes.
Even well before the season, the rookie was already working to improve his game. Training with Tyrese Maxey, seizing every opportunity to learn and improve athletically that he could, Edgecombe's success has already made him arguably indispensable for the Sixers, completing what will be a star-driven backcourt for years to come.
