‘You don’t see that a lot’… Nick Nurse on what VJ Edgecombe has done that has impressed him most

Nick Nurse on what makes Edgecombe special

After a disastrous 2024-25 season, the Philadelphia 76ers were given a big boost when they won the third overall pick in the draft.

Expectations were that Bailey would be the player the team selected, but his pre-draft strategy made it evident that he did not want to be in Philly.

This led to Edgecombe getting picked by the 76ers and he has impressed coach Nick Nurse in the limited time he has been with the team.

Speaking about the rookie on ‘Hoops Collective podcast,’ Nurse said: “Just a lot of everything. First of all, incredible athlete does things defensively, like he’s good defensively, but like he makes plays, like he’s a shot blocker.

“You don’t see that a lot from kind of a wing position. Tries really hard on D, explosive, looked like he’s got some shimmy to get his own shot off.

“He’s full court player was kind of getting up and down in transition so that’s some of that and then he’s an incredible person and he’s really all about working really hard and super respectful and he’s really good to be around. Like you can tell, you’re gonna like this guy.”

Nurse on Kyle Lowry returning for a 20th season in the NBA

Kyle Lowry averaged 3.9 points for the 76ers in a season of disappointment for the 76ers.

However, his veteran presence was always going to be important on the team that has young players like Edgecombe and Jared McCain.

The team signed him on a one-year deal and that means Lowry will be playing his 20th NBA season with the 76ers.

Speaking on Lowry being back for a 20th season, Nurse said: “That’s quite an accomplishment man, seriously 20 years.

“You guys know this when I got to Toronto, like 13 or whatever years ago he was kind of like teetering. Like he wasn’t really the full-time starter yet.

“He had gone from Houston to Memphis to Toronto and now to see a six All-Star game and two gold medals, NBA title. It’s really amazing when you go back and think about that.”

Nurse and Lowry have a special relationship as they won a championship together as part of the Toronto Raptors.

While Lowry will not play a major role as a starter or in rotation, having him in the locker room will be great for the 76ers, who have a lot of pressure on them after their 13th-place finish last season.