LeBron James Joining 76ers Changed VJ Edgecombe’s Expectations for Next Season: “Championship or Bust”

VJ Edgecombe made no excuses for the 76ers to go all the way signing LeBron James.

LeBron James Joining 76ers Changed VJ Edgecombe’s Expectations for Next Season: “Championship or Bust”

LeBron James and VJ Edgecombe (Image credits - Firstsportz)

The pressure and expectations on the Philadelphia 76ers are mounting after the arrival of LeBron James in the summer. The signing of James was their second big addition after acquiring Jaylen Brown.

The NBA world has been caught in a frenzy thinking about the starting five of the 76ers next season. James and Brown joining forces with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey has gotten everyone excited.

However, one player has gone under the radar during all this excitement, and that is VJ Edgecombe. Coming off an impressive rookie season, Edgecombe did not soften the expectations surrounding his team heading into next season.

The 21-year-old sat down for an interview with host Chiney Ogwumike and acknowledged that the pressure on them is higher than ever.

Championship or bust. You know how it is. Especially with a team like this. It’s either a championship or ‘They suck.’ Proving everyone who says we aren’t going to jell, or anything like that. But I know I’m playing alongside great players, nobody has egos, we’ve all been in communication, so I’m really happy.

VJ Edgecombe in an interview with ESPN

Edgecombe was one of the top-performing rookies and even impressed his teammates last season. Drafted by the 76ers as the number three pick, he averaged 16 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 75 appearances last season.

After a disappointing end to their 2025-26 campaign where they were clean-swept by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the 76ers have left no stones unturned in the offseason. They pulled off a blockbuster move by trading for Brown from the Boston Celtics and then went on to sign the biggest free agent in James.

On paper, the 76ers may have the strongest starting five in the league today. Hence, it is not surprising to see Edgecombe dropping the ‘championship or bust’ declaration after adding the King.

Was VJ Edgecombe a part of the LeBron James pitch to Philly?

James was linked to a number of teams during the three weeks of rumors and reports regarding his future. He was heavily linked to returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Miami Heat, as he was familiar with their culture. But he surprised everyone by embarking on a new journey in Philly.

LeBron James and VJ Edgecombe shaking hands
LeBron James and VJ Edgecombe shaking hands (Image credits – BronVerse/X)

During the free agency saga, several players tried to pitch in for their teams as well. When asked if he threw in a pitch too, Edgecombe said no.

I don’t know LeBron. Like, I love LeBron, don’t get me wrong. Obviously, we played against each other. That’s who I looked up to when it comes to basketball and stuff like that. But I ain’t know him. But I kept calling Tyrese, and I was like, ‘Are we getting Bron? Are we getting Bron?’ And Tyrese is like, ‘Bro, I don’t know. I don’t think so.’ But he knew the whole time. But he ain’t want to tell me. That’s what I feel. I might be wrong.

VJ Edgecombe in an interview with ESPN

It was reported that Brown played a big role in trying to recruit James to Philly. Similarly, Embiid personally spoke to James and assured the four-time champion about his health, which could have played a major role in convincing him to join the 76ers.

VJ Edgecombe will be the fifth option for the 76ers after LeBron James’ signing

The 76ers have struggled to make a deep postseason run for over two decades now. But with Maxey showing significant growth with every passing season and Edgecombe ready to take the next step, many believed that the 76ers’ time would come soon.

However, it looks like those championship aspirations are now stronger than ever. Unfortunately, four-time champion Draymond Green believes that LeBron James signing for the 76ers is not necessarily good for the young star.

If I’m VJ Edgecombe’s agent, I’m not sure I’m happy with the summer that the 76ers have had… Like you go from being sometimes the second option when Embiid was out to sometimes being the fifth option… I don’t know if y’all understand like how big of a difference that is.

Draymond Green on The Draymond Green Show

Edgecombe will learn a lot playing alongside the 41-year-old. But he may see a lesser role than expected after the acquisition of Brown and James. The recent signings may slow down his development, but there is no doubt that he will gain some valuable experience from the All-Time great both on and off the court.

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