Wolves Coach Praises Sixers Rookie VJ Edgecombe's Fearlessness

Minnesota's Chris Finch impressed by Edgecombe's confidence and consistency in his first NBA season.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 8:49pm

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Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch praised Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe, the No. 3 overall pick, for his fearlessness and consistent play in his first NBA season. Finch highlighted Edgecombe's confidence, ability to contribute in multiple ways beyond just scoring, and potential for continued growth despite the normal ups and downs of a rookie campaign.

Why it matters

Edgecombe has been a key part of the 76ers' success this season as they aim for an NBA championship, and praise from an opposing coach like Finch underscores the rookie's impressive start to his professional career.

The details

In 70 games so far this season, Edgecombe is averaging 16.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. While he only scored 8 points on 4-of-9 shooting in the Sixers' recent game against the Timberwolves, Finch praised Edgecombe's all-around contributions, including 3 assists and 2 steals, as well as his tough defense against Minnesota's ball-handlers.

  • The Timberwolves faced the 76ers on Friday, April 4, 2026.

The players

Chris Finch

The head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

VJ Edgecombe

A 20-year-old rookie guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, selected 3rd overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.

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What they’re saying

“I like his fearlessness. He seems to be kind of unaffected by his first year in the league. He feels like he's been here for a couple years already. He's gonna have any normal up and downs that any rookie or young player will have, but it don't seem to bother him. He's got a ton of confidence and he knows who he is.”

— Chris Finch, Head Coach, Minnesota Timberwolves

“He's got a game that is pretty simple, and I don't mean that in any type of demeaning way, I just feel like he sticks with who he is every single night. Some nights it's really good and some nights it's still on the learning curve, but that all points to massive growth year on year.”

— Chris Finch, Head Coach, Minnesota Timberwolves

The takeaway

Edgecombe's impressive rookie season with the 76ers, marked by his confidence, consistency, and ability to contribute in multiple ways, has earned the respect of opposing coaches like Chris Finch. As the 76ers chase an NBA title, Edgecombe's continued development will be crucial to the team's success.