Sixers star Jaylen Brown praises rookie VJ Edgecombe ahead of sophomore season

The Philadelphia 76ers added marquee talent, including Jaylen Brown and LeBron James, during the 2026 offseason, creating a veteran-rich environment for rookie guard VJ Edgecombe. Drafted third overall in 2025, Edgecombe posted averages of 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists, and made history with a 30-point, 10-rebound playoff game, the first rookie to do so since Tim Duncan in 1996. Brown likened Edgecombe’s situation to his own sophomore season in Boston, when he benefited from playing alongside stars like Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward and Kemba Walker.

He pledged to keep Edgecombe in his ear throughout the year, emphasizing mentorship through example rather than formal coaching. Brown stressed that his primary focus remains on leading the team to a championship, leaving any mentorship role to develop naturally.