Bahamian Edgecombe sets NBA team record in 76ers debut
Published:Saturday | October 25, 2025 | 12:06 AM
BOSTON, United States (CMC):
Bahamian VJ Edgecombe began his NBA career in historic fashion with a standout performance for the Philadelphia 76ers that led them past the Boston Celtics here on Wednesday.
Edgecombe poured in 34 points in his debut to help the 76ers edge the Celtics 117-116 in their opening game of the 2025/26 season at TD Garden.
It was the highest-scoring NBA debut since Wilt Chamberlain took the court in 1959, and the third highest-scoring rookie debut of all time in the league, behind only Frank Selvy in 1954 and Chamberlain.
He also set a new team record with the most points ever by a 76ers rookie in their debut, breaking the previous record held by Allen Iverson, who scored 30 points against Milwaukee in his debut in 1996.
Edgecombe reportedly broke another record held by an NBA legend in the game. According to the Associated Press, Edgecombe scored the most points ever for an NBA player’s first quarter, with 14. The record was previously set by LeBron James in 2003.
“I worked every day, and all my life, for moments like this. This is my dream,” Edgecombe said after the game.
“It feels good to have my name mentioned with LeBron. I must say, it’s amazing, but hopefully I’m going to have a long career ahead of me. That’s what matters most, man: longevity. Knowing LeBron has been there for 20-plus years. So I’m hoping I can do that one day.”
The 6’5’’ guard was selected third overall by the 76ers in the 2025 NBA Draft, becoming the highest-drafted former Baylor Bear to enter the NBA in university history.