Sixers' VJ Edgecombe talks Rookie Wall, upcoming first postseason game

PHILADELPHIA -- Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe wrapped up his first NBA regular season on Sunday as he scored nine points with 11 assists and seven rebounds in a 126-106 win over the Milwaukee Bucks at home. He played in 75 games and averaged 16.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 43.8% from the floor and 35.4% from deep.

Edgecombe averaged 25 minutes per night and had quite a few big games for the Sixers as a rookie. He was impressive in all facets of the game, and it felt like he never really went through the vaunted "Rookie Wall" in his maiden NBA season.

"I really don't understand what this rookie wall is," Edgecombe said after the win on Sunday. "I'm being so honest with you because I don't know if it's I'm not scoring the same or, you know? I've had games where I scored single digits. Tonight, I scored single digits. I'm not too sure what the rookie wall is, but I don't think I hit it. I just try to stay the same and continue just getting better every day."

That "Rookie Wall" is normally when rookies begin to understand what it's like to be in the NBA. A collegiate season is somewhere around 35 to 40 games. An NBA season is twice that and then some as the games come fast as compared to the college game where games can sometimes be once, maybe twice a week.

"I'm not too sure what the rookie wall is," he continued. "Maybe someone can explain it to me, but I mean, obviously, the season had its ups and downs. I've had my ups and downs. I just try to keep building daily. Just to make sure I’m bringing my best foot forward every day."

While Edgecombe may not have met the "Rookie Wall", he will be meeting postseason basketball for the first time when the Sixers play host to the Orlando Magic on Wednesday in the 7 vs. 8 play-in game. The winner advances to the playoffs as the No. 7 seed to face the Boston Celtics while the loser will then face the winner of the 9 vs. 10 game for the right to earn the No. 8 seed and face the Detroit Pistons.

Playing on a team with a slew of veterans who have a ton of playoff experience to lean on, Edgecombe isn't sure what to expect, but he keeps hearing about one thing: physicality.

"I'll probably say the physicality," Edgecombe explained. "Probably the physicality. Every possession matters. I mean, that's what you hear about a lot about the playoffs. Every possession matters. I think it’ll be that for sure. Just where every possession matters. Can't give us a layup or can't give up anything. Just go out there and play balls to wall and play hard."

A player who relies a lot on watching film and working hard to prepare for certain matchups, Edgecombe is about to endure what it's like to prep for big moments such as the postseason. He gave his thoughts and guesses on what he thinks Philadelphia will do to prepare for such a moment.

"To be honest, I have no idea," he finished. "I'll be so honest with you, but I'm assuming there's gonna be more film, more attention to details, but other than that, I’m just gonna do the same recovery."

The Sixers and the Magic will face off on Wednesday at the Xfinity Mobile Arena.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers' VJ Edgecombe talks Rookie Wall, upcoming first postseason game