"He’s Not Real:" 76ers' VJ Edgecombe Has Hilarious Reaction to Victor Wembanyama

V.J. Edgecombe’s rookie season was not perfect, but it showed the Philadelphia 76ers exactly why they should be excited about his future.

In a HoopsHype interview, Edgecombe discussed his adjustment to the NBA, his view of the league, and even the surreal experience of seeing Victor Wembanyama up close.

The quote that stood out most was his reaction to Wembanyama’s size and skill.

Edgecombe said, “He’s not real. I don’t think he’s real.”

It was a funny moment, but it also captured something about Edgecombe’s first year. He entered the NBA as a young player still learning the league, but he never looked overwhelmed by the moment for long. Whether it was adjusting to NBA speed, playing next to Tyrese Maxey, or handling postseason pressure, Edgecombe made an immediate impact.

That impact started immediately.

Edgecombe scored 34 points in his NBA debut against the Boston Celtics, setting a franchise debut scoring record and producing one of the highest-scoring debuts in league history. It was the type of performance that showed Edgecombe could contribute to a team right away. 

Edgecombe averaged 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while earning All-Rookie First Team honors. Those numbers reflect how many different ways he helped Philadelphia. He scored, rebounded, defended, pushed the pace, and gave the Sixers another young player capable of applying pressure on both ends.

What makes Edgecombe interesting is that his game does not depend on one skill.

His athleticism is the obvious starting point. He can get downhill, finish in transition, and explode into plays that change the energy of a game. But he is not just a run-and-jump guard. He has shown flashes as a passer, improved as a shooter, and already has the physical tools to defend multiple positions.

That two-way upside is what makes him so important to Philadelphia.

Edgecombe's postseason flashes displayed his potential once again. Against Boston, Edgecombe delivered a 30-point, 10-rebound playoff performance, showing he could produce under pressure and still impact the glass despite being a young guard. 

There is still plenty to refine. He can become a more efficient finisher, a more consistent shooter, and a sharper playmaker in the half-court. His defensive effort also has to become more consistent, possession to possession. But the foundation is already there.

That is why his comments about Wembanyama were so entertaining. Edgecombe was speaking like a young player still amazed by the league’s most absurd talents, but his own rookie season showed he is not just watching the NBA from a distance anymore.

He is part of it.

Join The 76ersRoundtable

Head over to the 76ersRoundtable page and hit the "Join" button under the featured story... it's completely FREE! You'll have the opportunity to engage with other 76ers fans who live and breathe the team, share your thoughts on the organization, and more. If you're asked to sign up or download the Roundtable app... that's free too.

Wes Dixon is a contributing writer to 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected].