It won’t be easy for rookie VJ Edgecombe to top the dazzling start to his NBA career, but the Philadelphia 76ers guard will have a chance on Saturday against the visiting Charlotte Hornets.
Edgecombe scored 34 points in a season-opening 117-116 win over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, breaking Allen Iverson’s franchise-record for points in a debut (30). Edgecombe’s outburst ranks only behind Wilt Chamberlain’s record 43 points in 1959 and Frank Selvy’s 35 in 1954.
Even after a record-setting night, the 20-year-old is keeping things simple ahead of Saturday’s home opener.
“It’s just basketball. I try not to overthink it,” Edgecombe said. “I’ve been putting in the reps, putting in the work. My teammates trust me, I trust my teammates. … But the debut of finally playing in the NBA, yeah, that was crazy.”
As the 76ers try to wash away the stench of a 58-loss season, the backcourt of Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey — who had 40 points against Boston — is a tandem the team will continue to depend on as Joel Embiid works back into a rhythm following an injury-plagued 2024-25 campaign.
“I feel like we both play well in the open court,” Edgecombe said of playing with Maxey. “Playing fast is something that we want to do. When Joel’s fully back, it’s going to be even better if you ask me, because he requires so much attention. … It’s just great to be surrounded by superstars. People that can help me continue to grow as a player on and off the floor.”
After playing in just 19 games a season ago, Embiid struggled in his return, scoring just four points on 1-for-9 shooting from the field.
Charlotte, which is looking to snap a 10-game losing streak against the 76ers dating back to December 2022, opened its year with a 136-117 win over the visiting Brooklyn Nets.
Last season, the Hornets struggled mightily to string together consistent offense. Charlotte was tied with the Nets for last in the NBA with 105.1 points per game. The team’s scoring output in game No. 1 would’ve been the third most for the Hornets last year.
“As good as I thought we were, we can get better,” Charlotte head coach Charles Lee said. “Offensively, I loved the pace we were able to sustain. … We’ve got to continue to be strong with the ball and value every possession from the beginning of the game to the end of the game.”
Lee has already shown faith in rookies Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner, deciding to include both draft picks into the starting lineup. Knueppel, the former Duke standout, had 11 points on three 3-pointers, while Kalkbrenner posted a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double in his Charlotte debut.
“They earned the opportunity to be out there,” Lee said. “It was cool to see them impact the game in so many ways. From Ryan blocking shots to Kon spacing the floor, they’ve both worked hard since the day they arrived.”
Charlotte had nine players scoring in double digits. Brandon Miller paced the Hornets with 25 points and added seven assists. LaMelo Ball contributed 20 points and a team-best eight assists.
