The Philadelphia 76ers drafted a legitimate franchise building block last season, but they'll be without him for at least their next game. According to Kyle Newbeck of PHLY Sports, VJ Edgecombe has been confirmed with a back injury, and will be ruled out of the 76ers' upcoming game against the Utah Jazz.
The good news for 76ers fans is that the injury suffered by VJ Edgecombe may not be that serious as he is expected to be reevaluated almost immediately before the 76ers face off against the Atlanta Hawks. They play against the Jazz on Wednesday, then have two days off before taking on the Hawks on Saturday.
The No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Edgecombe has proven he is one of the team's franchise centerpieces moving forward. Edgecombe was the frontrunner during the Rising Stars competition at All-Star Weekend. He was named MVP of the event after scoring a total of 23 points in the round robin tournament.
He had the game-winning shot in the Rising Stars semifinals to send his team to the championship game, and then he made a pair of free-throws to seal the victory in the title game.
This season, Edgecombe has appeared in 57 games, all starts, averaging just over 35 minutes per game. He is averaging 15.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 42.7 percent from the field, 36.1 percent from the 3-point line and 80.1 percent from the free-throw line.
The 76ers are currently fighting for position in the Eastern Conference standings. They are 33-28 and are in sixth place in the standings.
