Without being encouraged to take a look at his old team, former Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers recently praised the young Sixers star, VJ Edgecombe.
During a sit-down with The Ringer’s Bill Simmons, Rivers was asked to name two young players who haven’t reached superstardom yet, but have the chance to.
Rivers kicked it off with Edgecombe.
Ex-76ers Coach Doc Rivers Makes Strong VJ Edgecombe Statement
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 30: Vj Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the third quarter of a game against the Boston Celtics in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 30, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
âEdgecombe has a chance to be really good, because he has the makeup and having Maxey around him. Maybe too small [the combination], but weâll see,” Rivers said.
“[I like his] edge. I donât know where heâll be offensively. Heâs ahead of where I thought he was already. But heâs going to be an elite defensive player in the NBA. Thatâs coming, and you can see that.â
Before the Sixers brought in Edgecombe, Rivers coached the team for three seasons. After the 2022-2023 season, Rivers fired up a three-year run with the Milwaukee Bucks. Nick Nurse took over for Rivers in Philadelphia.
VJ Edgecombe’s Rookie Season With The Sixers
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MAY 08: Vj Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives against Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks during Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 08, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
When the Sixers struggled in 2024-2025, they ended the season by missing the playoffs.
Not only did the 76ers get the opportunity to keep their protected pick from the Oklahoma City Thunder, but they jumped up a few spots to land No. 3 overall.
At that point, it was evident the 76ers were going to choose between Edgecombe and Ace Bailey. They went with the former Baylor star.
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 02: Vj Edgecombe #77 and Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers embrace during the fourth quarter of a game against the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at TD Garden on May 02, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
As a rookie, Edgecombe appeared in 75 games for the Sixers. He started every matchup. During that time, Edgecombe shot 43.8% from the field and knocked down 35.4% of his threes, taking 5.6 attempts per game to average 16.0 points.
Along with his scoring, Edgecombe dished out 4.2 assists and came down with 5.6 rebounds per game, snatching up 1.4 steals per game.
Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey proved that they have the chance to be one of the league’s top backcourts for years to come.
As Rivers pointed out, the duo’s size will remain a concern, as they are both considered undersized, but there is too much potential to overlook.
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