VJ Edgecombe has been taking it all in since getting drafted by the Sixers third overall this summer. He's played in summer league, worked to improve his game to get ready for his rookie season, and even had opportunities to meet NBA Hall of Famers.
When Edgecombe was coming out of Baylor, there were some draft comparisons to the Miami Heat and NBA legend Dwayne Wade. Their size, position they played, and similarities in their college games had some draft experts seeing Wade as a ceiling for the young guard. The Sixers' rookie was able to meet Wade during an event to launch Intuition by Aramis, a new fragrance that he is the global ambassador for.
During the team's Media Day, Edgecombe was asked about his experience meeting Wade and the comparisons of their game.
"It was definitely my first time meeting him," Edgecombe said. He's a great person. I've seen him before, but he obviously didn't see me. But to actually meet him for the first time, someone I looked up to my whole life, especially in the basketball world, it was like a kid moment for me it's like my inner kid coming out... [I've been] compared a lot to his... I try to learn from everybody. I just try to take bits and pieces of his game."
The third overall pick and the 2003 draftee comparisons come specifically from the two-way play both displayed at the amateur level. Some have noted that Edgecombe's defensive activity as something reminiscent of Wade's defense energy early in his career. His quick first step, leaping ability, and quickness were something Wade was known for early on, especially when he was at Marquette.
Although comparisons have been made between the two players, Edgecombe will have to chart his own path to stardom in the league. It's sometimes said you shouldn't meet your idols, but in this case, Edgecombe's experience was strongly positive as he not only got to meet an idol, connect, and use it as motivation for where he wants to go.
