NBA All-Star 2026: 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe sets tone for weekend with Rising Stars performance

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

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

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With 23 points in 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.

There are some natural efficiency hurdles he’ll have to smooth over — his 105.5 points per 100 shot attempts puts him in the 34th percentile among combo guards, and his .212 points per touch slots 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, per 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 season-long development and the presence of All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey as a partner in the backcourt.

Overall, Edgecombe’s value as a rookie cannot be understated, even on a mature team with veterans. In 50 games, Edgecombe averaged 14.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. According to Stathead, there are 21 players this season who have posted these numbers with at least 2.5 win shares; Edgecombe and Cooper Flagg are the only rookies that make that roster.

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Friday night, despite the negative talk that has surrounded All-Star Weekend in recent years, also reminded us that while much of the rookie conversation has centered on Flagg and Kon Knueppel, Edgecombe is much more than an adequate consolation prize. From a pure effort standpoint, it was clear that the Philadelphia guard wanted to compete on both ends of the floor, whether he was in attack mode or engaged in defense on the other end.

Overall, the Rising Stars participants seemed to take the games seriously, a pleasant departure from the norm. Spurs players Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle, members of Team Melo, were actively discussing game events shortly after the final buzzer, almost as if it were a key regular season game.

“We wanted to compete,” Jaylen Wells of the Team Vince Grizzlies told Yahoo Sports. “We set the tone for the weekend and a lot of guys on the team wanted to win. And the last one is money! We get paid!”

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“I hate losing,” Edgecombe added. “I really hate losing. It’s really a credit to my teammates. We all bought in.”

Heading into halftime, the 76ers (30-24) find themselves in a comfortable position in the Eastern Conference, in sixth place and just 3.5 games out of the top four. However, with Paul George in the midst of a 25-game suspension for a banned substance and superstar center Joel Embiid currently out with management of his right knee (he will be re-evaluated after the break), Edgecombe’s true value will emerge. It’s rare to depend on rookies for crucial runs like Philadelphia is about to undertake, but outside of Maxey, Edgecombe is one of the few players on the roster who can create his own shot and score from all three levels, as well as create plays for others.

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“It feels great to win the Rising Stars Game MVP,” Edgecombe said. “But I’m focused. My next goal is the push after the All-Star break. After the break, we just have to make a push. We’re still chasing that playoff spot. We just have to stay together, keep getting the basket and trust each other. I feel like we’re a dangerous team if we’re healthy. I’m confident in that.”