76ers rookie named one of best NBA players under 25 years old

One thing that the Philadelphia 76ers have been able to do relatively well over the past decade or so is infusing the roster with young talent.

Back in 2017, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons were both ranked highly on ESPN’s list of the top NAB players under 25 years old. Embiid ranked No. 4 on the list that year, and Simmons placed 10^th.

V.J. Edgecombe named 19th-best player under 25 by ESPN 

Last year, guard Tyrese Maxey came in at No. 6 on The Ringer’s iteration of the top players under 25 list. This year, it’s V.J. Edgecombe’s turn. Philadelphia’s prized rookie was recently ranked by ESPN as the 19^th-best player under 25. 

From ESPN: 

"While there have been some predictable rookie growing pains, Edgecombe has largely rewarded the 76ers' decision to pick him third, with his explosiveness attacking the paint and flashes of defensive playmaking that point to major long-term upside. The future of the franchise rests on Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey, and how well Philly can develop them in tandem." 

Edgecombe stepped right into a starting spot for the Sixers this season, and he’s been impressive. In 21 appearances, he’s averaging 14.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.3 steals per performance.

While the raw numbers aren’t staggering, Edgecombe has shown the Sixers everything that they could have hoped to see from him at this early point in his career. He’s an elite athlete who can get to the rim almost at will and finish once there. He’s also shown an ability to space the floor, as he’s shooting 38 percent from long range and nearly 44 percent on catch-and-shoot opportunities from distance.

But, he’s been perhaps even more impressive on the defensive end where he’s shown the potential to be an elite perimeter defender. Last month, Sixers coach Nick Nurse referred to Edgecombe as one of the best defenders on the team, which is high praise for a rookie.

As we've seen with the likes of Ben Simmons, being named as one of the best players under 25 isn't a guarantee that a player's potential will be realized, but it's high praise nonetheless, especially for a rookie.