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"I don't want to be a cancer" – V.J. Edgecombe addresses being 76ers' fifth option
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- "I don't want to be a cancer" – V.J. Edgecombe addresses being 76ers' fifth option
After an impressive rookie season with the Philadelphia 76ers , many expected V.J. Edgecombe to take a big leap as a sophomore. However, that may not be feasible due to the major roster overhaul this past summer, with LeBron James and Jaylen Brown joining the team.
That doesn't mean Edgecombe wouldn't benefit from their arrival, especially given the championship DNA and leadership they bring. Well aware of that, Edgecombe recently set the record straight in front of the media about being the fifth option on the 76ers.
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Winning is all that matters
Amid doubts and apprehensions about the star-studded cast getting along, the Sixers have made a great start to their 2026-27 campaign, going 7-1 in their first eight games. Their latest win against the Chicago Bulls was a perfect display of Philly's overall effort, with the James, Brown, Embiid, Maxey and Edgecombe combining for a notable 102 points.
One of the key contributors in this win, Edgecombe, came out at full throttle, going a perfect 7-for-7 from the field in the first half and finishing with 21 points, five assists, three rebounds and one block. This follows the Sixers guard's dagger in the NBA Cup game against the Charlotte Hornets.
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Speaking to the media after the recent win against the Chicago, Edgecombe described what it was like to be the fifth option in Philly.
"I'll be honest. I don't get antsy or anything. We're 7-1, and that's the most important thing. Say, like tonight, I was able to get going a little bit…. It's fun when you're winning, you know. Like, I don't want to be a cancer because I ain't getting the shots I want to get. I'm still learning. I'm in Year 2," V.J. told reporters.
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The young guardacknowledged that people wanted to see him make the giant leap and average around 20 points. But at the end of the day, it was all about winning.
Developing into a cutter
When it comes to winning a championship, sacrifice is a key element, something V.J. seems to have realized in his sophomore season itself. As a result, he has been working on polishing other facets of his game, including developing into a cutter, which helps him impact the game even without the ball in his hands.
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"It might not get me the ball, or I might not get the shot, but someone else might get a shot, or it might just open up a lane for somebody else. That's my main thing," said Edgecombe on his development as a cutter this season.
The young Sixer highlighted how most of the attention on James, Brown and Maxey let him sneak backdoor and get cuts wherever possible.
Related: Jaylen Brown calls cap on Jason Tatum's reaction to his trade to the 76ers
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A great sign of maturity
Beyond his talent and skill set, Edgecombe has also impressed us with his maturity in his ability to see the bigger picture at such a young age. The Sixers guard sees no harm in taking a bit of a back seat, even though this was the perfect opportunity to take the individual leap.
At the same time, he has used this window to work on other aspects of his game and skill set, including his emergence as a cutter, as mentioned above. Additionally, V.J. does not want to create unnecessary locker-room tension that could hamper Philly's pursuit of a championship after 43 years.
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Related: VJ Edgecombe reveals he'd rather play for Bahamas at Olympics than win NBA title
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Nov 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
