NBA All-Star 2026: 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe shines brightest among rising stars, setting tone for the weekend

INGLEWOOD, CA — With both arms outstretched as he walked away triumphantly, it was only fitting that 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe — after exploding for 17 out of a possible 40 points for Team Carter in the semis of the Rising Stars Challenge— sealed Friday night’s All-Star festivities at the free-throw line in the final versus Team Melo.

“There was no pressure,” Edgecombe said after being named tournament MVP following the 25-24 win. “Free throws, man. I just try to be dialed in, try to be focused at the line. Free throws are precious. Obviously tonight, we needed them to win the game. I just focused and made them.”

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With 23 points across both Rising Star games, Edgecombe’s efficient performance was a timely reminder of the 20-year-old’s value as a scorer in Philadelphia this season.

Team Vince guard VJ Edgecombe celebrates after defeating Team Melo during an NBA All Star Rising Stars championship game at Intuit Dome. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / REUTERS)

There are some natural efficiency roadblocks that he’ll need to iron out — his 105.5 points per 100 shot attempts place him in the 34th percentile among combo guards, and his .212 points per touch wedge him between Boston’s Hugo Gonzalez and Sacramento’s Nique Clifford — but his potential is through the roof. Edgecombe leads all rookies in touches per game, according to Second Spectrum, all while taking care of the ball (70th percentile in turnover rate). Statistically, the 76ers’ offense is better with him on the floor, a testament to his in-season development and the presence of All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey as a backcourt partner.

Overall, Edgecombe’s value as a rookie can’t be understated, even on a team ripe with veterans. Through 50 games, Edgecombe is averaging 14.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. According to Stathead, there are 21 players this season posting those numbers with at least 2.5 win shares; Edgecombe and Cooper Flagg are the only rookies that comprise that list.

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Friday night, despite the…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/nba-all-star-2026-76ers-rookie-vj-edgecombe-shines-brightest-among-rising-stars-setting-tone-for-the-weekend-052917703.html

Author : Kelly Iko

Publish date : 2026-02-14 05:29:00

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