Buddy Hield Praises Rookie VJ Edgecombe Ahead of Showdown

As the Golden State Warriors prepare to face the Philadelphia 76ers on March 27, 2025, veteran player Buddy Hield has shared his enthusiasm for rookie VJ Edgecombe. Hield, a seasoned presence in Bahamian basketball, has closely followed Edgecombe’s rise and attributes much of his success to the young player’s own determination and talent.

“He’s homegrown, he’s self-grown, he’s that guy,” Hield stated in an interview with the Bay Area News Group. This sentiment reflects his confidence in Edgecombe, who was selected as the No. 3 overall pick in the recent NBA draft. Currently, the 20-year-old guard is averaging 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, playing a significant 36.4 minutes each night for the competitive 76ers.

Bright Future for Philadelphia

Edgecombe’s performance has generated excitement around the 76ers, especially with fellow guard Tyrese Maxey emerging as a top playmaker. The combination of their skills positions Philadelphia for a promising future, even as star player Joel Embiid faces health uncertainties.

Hield has been a guiding figure for Edgecombe since the latter was just a teenager attending a basketball camp in the Bahamas. Over the years, he has watched the young talent develop, noting that Edgecombe’s transition to the United States for high school and later college basketball at Baylor University has been pivotal in his growth. Edging out competition at prestigious programs like Long Island Lutheran, Edgecombe has proven he can handle pressure.

On draft night, Hield was there to celebrate with Edgecombe, showcasing their strong bond. “He’s my dog,” Edgecombe remarked in a July interview. “Buddy came to the draft. He pulled up just to show love. It means a lot and that goes a long way.” This support underscores the mentorship Hield has provided throughout Edgecombe’s budding career.

Potential and Progress

Although Edgecombe has demonstrated impressive prowess on the court, he still has areas to refine. Unlike Hield, who has built a successful career on his shooting accuracy—having made over 2,155 career three-pointers—Edgecombe is still developing his shooting skills, relying more on his athleticism and ability to drive to the basket.

Reflecting on Edgecombe’s future, Hield remains optimistic. “I knew that once he got to the NBA, once he got that space and was surrounded by great players, he was going to be just fine,” he said. The modern NBA’s emphasis on space and pace suits Edgecombe’s playing style, offering him opportunities to shine as he continues to grow.

As the Warriors prepare to face the 76ers, all eyes will be on this intriguing matchup between mentor and mentee. For Hield, witnessing Edgecombe’s progress is a source of pride, while Edgecombe’s emergence as a key player highlights the bright future of Bahamian basketball.