Sixers rookie VJ Edgecombe talks offseason work, season ahead before first pitch at Phillies game

On August 30, 2025, at Citizens Bank Park, VJ Edgecombe—the Philadelphia 76ers' No. 3 overall NBA draft pick—engaged in baseball activities, revealing that he played the sport growing up as a second baseman and outfielder. After receiving a glove from Brandon Marsh, Edgecombe participated in a catch during a television interview, demonstrating familiarity with the game despite not having played in a long time.

Edgecombe interacted with several Philadelphia Phillies figures, including special assistant Howie Kendrick, Brandon Marsh, Nick Castellanos, and Alec Bohm, who offered him tips and encouragement. Following these exchanges, he discussed his NBA rookie season goals with PhillyVoice, emphasizing his offseason work and efforts to build chemistry with teammates like Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain.

Although the Sixers' official Media Day, training camp, and preseason trip to Abu Dhabi are still about four weeks away, Edgecombe has already been training extensively with teammates at the team's practice facility in Camden, New Jersey, and in Los Angeles with assistant coach Rico Hines. He has worked with players including Tyrese Maxey, Trendon Watford, Jared McCain, Justin Edwards, and Jabari Walker, believing that developing strong bonds will benefit the team moving forward.