Sixers rookie VJ Edgecombe singles out veteran big man Andre Drummond

CAMDEN, N.J. -- It's important for a rookie to be around a number of helpful veterans who will help him and show him the ropes of what it's like to be in the NBA. That's what happened for Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe as he has soaked in all the wisdom of his vets on the team.

The No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 draft has been terrific all season long as he has passed every test with flying colors. He will have another one on Wednesday as he prepares to play in his first postseason game against the Orlando Magic in a play-in situation. Luckily for Edgecombe, he has some veterans around him who have been in both playoff and play-in situations to help him through it all.

One of those vets is 14-year man Andre Drummond. Their lockers are not too far away from each other and the big man has constantly been in Edgecombe's ear in terms of helping him prepare for each moment.

"Man, Drum, that’s my dawg," Edgecombe said on Friday. "To be honest. That’s my dawg. He helped me a lot. Especially, even when things aren’t flowing my way, he helps me keep me poised. He comes in, plays hard. He’s a professional. He’s really professional. He’s really good at what he do."

Drummond has stepped up and played well for Philadelphia in recent weeks with the Sixers missing Joel Embiid due to an appendectomy. He has given them a real presence in the paint with his ability to rebound the basketball and use his size and strength to help make a difference on either end of the floor. He's also added a 3-point shot to his game.

"He’s been knocking down corner 3s," smiled Edgecombe. "My first time ever seeing him shoot the ball, to be honest. I know Drum as a rebounder and a dunker, but good to see him out there, you know? Doing what he do best, but I’m very happy for him. He’s been very impactful for us. Especially, with big fella being out."

Drummond's ability to also step in and set a good screen before rolling to the basket is a big asset as well. It makes life easier for Edgecombe and the guards when it comes to making sure they get easy looks within the offense.

"It’s great, man," Edgecombe said of his chemistry with Drummond. "Drum is gonna roll right in the pocket and I’m able to either hit him or get a good shot out of it or just create an advantage for someone else. Credit to him. He sets really good screens. That’s something people don’t really talk about much, but he sets really good screens which allows us to get open and get really good shots."

As the Sixers begin the play-in on Wednesday, there will be a lot of pressure on Drummond to step in and give the Sixers a presence in the paint.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers rookie VJ Edgecombe singles out veteran big man Andre Drummond