There is simply an "it" factor that NBA players have to put on display early on in their careers in order to gain the trust of their coaches and teammates, along with the respect of their opponents. Having skills is one thing, but the mentality is what truly shines bright when it's positive.
The Philadelphia 76ers have had rookies and sophomores in the past who proved that they didn't possess what it takes to contribute to high-level winning early on. Heading into year two, VJ Edgecombe has done enough during his rookie effort to shut down any idea that he can't be productive on a winning team.
LeBron James sees it in the former No. 3 pick.
King James applies pressure
During the latest episode of his Mind The Game podcast with Steve Nash, James went through each core member of the Sixers and explained why he's interested in playing with them. Edgecombe might be seen as the forgotten fifth starter by some, but James clearly hasn't overlooked the second-year guard.
The future NBA legend has applied healthy pressure to the former Baylor star, noting that there isn't any reason why Edgecombe shouldn't be able to contend for All-Defensive. While that's a tall task from somebody who many consider to be the GOAT in the sport of basketball, the real standout words from James suggest that Edgecombe can handle that kind of pressure at 21 years old.
"The intel that I've got from everyone is that this kid is beyond his years," James said on Mind The Game. "They say he was actually one of the leaders of the team as a 20-year-old rookie and not in a disrespectful manner. It's not like he was speaking just to be speaking, thinking he's better than this guy, no. They say he speaks with an intelligent confidence; he works extremely hard. He’s a flat-out player, man."
Nothing we've seen from Edgecombe suggests that he can't handle the pressure. During his pre-draft process, he impressed the Sixers to the point where they felt comfortable totally ditching the idea of taking a player who was projected higher than him at No. 3. He told the Sixers he wanted a role right away, and he earned one as a full-time starter. His first game? 34 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and one steal in 42 minutes in a rivalry game against the Boston Celtics on the road.
Edgecombe averaged 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 steals per game during the regular season. He maintained his numbers in the playoffs, going for 14.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 3.4 APG, and 1.0 SPG. The Sixers know they have a rising star in Edgecombe. LeBron James is also sending the rest of the league notice.
