NBA Notes: Sixers, VJ Edgecombe, Nets, Kings, Russell Westbrook

76ers

VJ Edgecombe didn’t just debut — he made history.

The rookie poured in 34 points in his first NBA game, the most by any player in a debut since Wilt Chamberlain, as the Sixers outlasted the Celtics on opening night.

Edgecombe added seven rebounds, three assists, and five made threes, looking like anything but a nervous first-year.

“We certainly needed the offense,” coach Nick Nurse said, via NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin. “He just looked comfortable out there.

“You don’t see him making silly mistakes, he just plays the right way. He’s got a very good feel for the game.”

It wasn’t perfect — Edgecombe missed two free throws with 7.3 seconds left and the Sixers up one — but Boston couldn’t capitalize. The rookie survived his first real test.

Tyrese Maxey also looked every bit the leader Philly’s been waiting for.

The All-Star guard erupted for 40 points on 24 shots and added six assists to one turnover.

“I used to always smile, but I know I can’t be that guy anymore,” Maxey said, via The Athletic’s Tony Jones. “Now I leave that up to Jared (McCain) and VJ (Edgecombe). They deserve to have fun and just hoop.”

If opening night was any indication, Maxey’s new leadership era — and Edgecombe’s arrival — might just reset the Sixers’ trajectory.

Nets

Cam Thomas could’ve chased a longer deal this summer. Instead, he bet on himself.

After a drawn-out standoff with Brooklyn, Thomas accepted his qualifying offer, setting himself up for unrestricted free agency in 2026. For now, though, he’s not worried about the future.

“I’m not really worried about that,” Thomas said, via The New York Post’s Brian Lewis. “It’ll take care of itself. The main goal is just being on the court and playing. I love to hoop. I love to play.”

Slimmed down and healthy after an injury-shortened season, Thomas is focused on taking another step and proving to Brooklyn (or someone else) that he’s more than just a scorer.

Kings

Russell Westbrook in Sacramento? It still sounds strange, but he’s already embraced it.

“I don’t know how it all came together so quickly,” Westbrook said, via ABC10’s Matt George. “But I’ve got a lot of friends here. There’s familiarity. I’m just excited to help however I can.”

That help, Westbrook said, goes far beyond the court.

“Leadership isn’t just what you see on the floor,” he explained. “It’s learning about guys’ journeys, what inspires them, what pushes them. If I can inspire someone daily, that’s the part I love most.”

The Kings aren’t expected to contend this year, but Westbrook isn’t ready to fade quietly.

When asked if this might be his final season, his response was vintage Russ.

“Yeah, right.”