Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe claimed Rising Stars MVP honors Friday at Intuit Dome, capping the championship game with two decisive free throws to lift Team Vince Carter past Team Carmelo Anthony, 25-23, at NBA All-Star Weekend.
Edgecombe delivered 17 of his team’s 41 points in the semifinal victory over Team Tracy McGrady, netting the final 10 points of that contest. Carter’s squad then edged Anthony’s team in the title game.
“I wanted to win. I hate losing, like I really hate losing,” Edgecombe said. “We just try to make it competitive, where it’s worth your time.”
The 76ers first-year guard credited a pregame talk by Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with sharpening his focus. Abdul-Jabbar, 78, spoke Thursday evening about his personal path to the NBA and how young players can use the league to grow their own brands.
“Man, it felt like a dream,” Edgecombe said. “He’s in a place, a tier of his own — him, [Michael] Jordan, the GOATs of basketball. It shows he really cares — about basketball, the NBA and everyone coming up after him.”
Sixers teammate Tyrese Maxey watched from courtside. Edgecombe said the All-Star guard’s presence motivated him to perform at full intensity.
“He’s like he ain’t coming to watch it if I ain’t going to play hard,” Edgecombe said.
Edgecombe is averaging 14.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists this season, posting those numbers alongside established stars Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Paul George. He scored 34 points in his NBA debut last October.
Team Carter also featured Derik Queen, Matas Buzelis, and Kyshawn George.
Stephon Castle won Rising Stars MVP last year on his way to also winning Rookie of the Year. Edgecombe is generally considered to be running third in Rookie of the Year behind Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel.