76ers veteran reveals one facet VJ Edgecombe wants so as to add to his sport

[ad_1] CAMDEN, N.J. -- The Philadelphia 76ers are enthusiastic about No. 3 general choose VJ Edgecombe as he brings a number of abilities to the desk that this workforce is in want of. He performs with breakneck pace, is aggressive with the ball in his arms, is athletic as ever, and is any person who could make performs on the defensive finish as nicely.

As Edgecombe prepares for his maiden season within the league, he's becoming a member of a workforce that has a number of veterans he can lean on equivalent to Kyle Lowry, Tyrese Maxey, and most significantly, Eric Gordon.

Gordon and Edgecombe performed collectively on the Bahamian nationwide workforce so Philadelphia's elder statesman was capable of get an in depth take a look at the eventual No. 3 general choose within the 2025 draft. A superb shooter all through his profession, Gordon is aware of that if Edgecombe can add that facet to his offensive sport, then he's going to be robust to cease.

"All people is aware of he is an excellent athlete," Gordon stated of Edgecombe. "Like, you will see it. I imply, he’s one of many athletically gifted gamers in our sport proper now, and he'll showcase that, however for me, it is all of the little issues. Capturing, as a result of I actually do—when he begins actually pulling down that shot, it is going to open up doorways for him to get within the lane as a lot as he needs."

A profession 37.2% shooter from deep, Gordon knew early on when he entered the NBA that he wanted to have the ability to incorporate that jumper into his sport. Particularly, within the later a part of his profession when his athleticism diminishes. The identical needs to be for Edgecombe. The rookie shot 34% from deep at Baylor in 2024-25, however then shot 2-for-12 from deep in the summertime league in order that's one thing Gordon will preach to him.

In search of a free mini puzzle? Play the USA TODAY Fast Cross now. "Early on in my profession, I used to be very athletic going to the lane, however I've all the time been capable of shoot," Gordon continued. "As I obtained older, I shot the ball much more. Like, with him, it is all the time good to see a few good photographs go within the sport, as a result of athletically, he’s gonna be an issue."

Gordon was restricted to solely 39 video games in his first season with the Sixers in 2024-25, however he did find yourself capturing 40.9% from deep in these video games. As he prepares for the upcoming season, he is aware of he's in additional of a mentor part which goes to profit any person like Edgecombe shifting ahead, however Gordon is seeking to be productive on the ground as nicely.

"At my age, in my part in my profession, you need to mentor," Gordon completed. "Like, that is no doubt. I have been round VJ probably the most. I've recognized for fairly some time, and naturally, I'll be trying ahead to serving to not simply him, however all of the younger guys, trying ahead, however after I'm within the sport, I've to do my half. Knock down photographs, unfold the ground, let guys function on their very own, however after I'm on the market, I gotta knock down photographs, and I gotta stay up for making issues occur."