76ers Rookie V.J. Edgecombe Makes NBA History in First Career Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paul White | Last updated Oct 22, 2025 9:50 PM ET

The 76ers have had unfortunate luck in the past with the turnout of some of their draft picks.
Some of their recent picks have began breaking the trend.
V.J. Edgecombe made history in his NBA debut against the Celtics.

The Philadelphia 76ers have been scarred in the past by rookies who either endure unique accidents that alter the trajectory or their careers, or get injured during their first season.

Former MVP Joel Embiid missed the first two years of his career with a foot injury and No. 1 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft Markelle Fultz sustained nerve damage to his shoulder, which ruined his jump shot.

However, the 76ers have had better luck lately, hitting on a couple of their recent draft picks like young guards Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain.

Now, it looks like No. 3 overall pick V.J. Edgecombe could be joining that group of massively successful draft picks.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid reacts with guard Tyrese Maxey during their game against the Dallas Mavericks at Wells Fargo Center on Feb. 4, 2025.Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

He showed a ton of promise in the preseason and then proceeded to make NBA history in his first ever game against the Boston Celtics.

Edgecombe broke LeBron James’ record for most points scored in the first quarter by a rookie in their NBA debut with 14 points.

Most points in the first quarter of an NBA debut:

VJ Edgecombe: 14 (tonight)
LeBron James: 12 (Oct. 29, 2003)

HISTORY FOR THE SIXERS' #3 PICK pic.twitter.com/EHJpqadzlR
— NBA (@NBA) October 23, 2025

The Bahamian rookie was not known as much of a shooter in his college days, but he showed a knack for the long ball in his debut, knocking down five three-pointers.

He was touted as a high flyer before the draft and he lived up to the reputation with a variety of impressive dunks.

Philadelphia ended up winning the game, thanks in large part to 34 points from Edgecombe, so they have to be extremely excited for what the future holds.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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