VJ Edgecombe Shocks NBA Community with Top 20 Ranking in ESPN’s 25-Under-25
ESPN unveiled its highly anticipated 25-under-25 rankings on Friday, showcasing the NBA’s brightest young talents under the age of 25. This year, the spotlight fell on VJ Edgecombe, who made an impressive debut by securing the No. 19 spot on the list. The Philadelphia 76ers rookie joins a select group that includes fellow first-year players, Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel at No. 17 and San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper at No. 18. Notably, he ranks ahead of established talents like Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (No. 20), who earned the Most Improved Player award last season and was the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year, as well as Washington Wizards center Alex Sarr (No. 22) and Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (No. 23).
Rookie Performance and Long-Term Potential
In his first season, Edgecombe has already begun to validate the 76ers’ decision to draft him third overall. His explosive ability to attack the rim and flashes of defensive prowess have captured attention, indicating significant long-term potential. According to ESPN’s analysis, while Edgecombe has faced some typical rookie challenges, his contributions on both ends of the court hint at a promising future for him and the franchise.
However, the path ahead is not without its hurdles. To elevate his game and the team’s success, Edgecombe must work on improving his efficiency and honing his ball-handling skills. With a true shooting percentage of 51.3% over his first 20 games, his struggles are not unexpected for a developing player still refining his offensive skill set. His blend of strength and agility presents a canvas for growth as he continues to develop his shot creation abilities. Nevertheless, his size poses a challenge, as he is considered undersized for a shooting guard.
Evaluating Edgecombe’s Ranking
The debate about whether Edgecombe deserves his ranking is lively among fans and analysts alike. While some may argue he should be rated higher, it’s difficult to position him ahead of players like Harper or Knueppel. For example, Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija sits at No. 15, boasting averages of 25.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. Meanwhile, reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle from the Spurs ranks at No. 16.
Edgecombe’s early-season performance was nothing short of remarkable. He became only the third player in NBA history to average at least 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists over his first five games. However, a recent calf injury and a dip in offensive production have tempered his momentum.
Hawks supporters might take issue with Edgecombe’s placement over Daniels, given Daniels’ accolades from last year. Although Daniels remains a defensive powerhouse, his shooting has plummeted to a staggering 14.6% from beyond the arc this season, raising questions about his offensive viability in half-court situations.
Comparisons and Future Outlook
Giddey, currently averaging a career-high 20.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 8.9 assists for the Bulls, presents another intriguing comparison. He has shown significant growth in his fifth NBA season, shooting 47.4% overall and 39.6% from three-point range. While Edgecombe’s appeal lies in his untapped potential, Giddey is increasingly seen as a more polished player, having just turned 23.
Even if Edgecombe does not evolve into an All-Star-level scorer, his defensive IQ and ability to make impactful plays suggest that he will remain a fixture on lists like this for years to come. As established stars like Anthony Edwards and Cade Cunningham age out of eligibility next year, Edgecombe could very well find himself vying for a top-10 position in future rankings.
