76ers rookie reveals fierce battle with Klay Thompson

The NBA offseason is usually quiet when it comes to headline-making performances—unless, of course, you’re a promising rookie getting a firsthand lesson from a four-time NBA champion.

That’s exactly what happened when Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe found himself matched up against Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Klay Thompson in a recent pick-up game. While Klay may no longer be at the peak of his powers, Edgecombe’s candid recount of the matchup proves that Thompson’s legacy, instincts, and shot-making haven’t gone anywhere.

From Rookie Dreams to Reality Checks

VJ Edgecombe, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft out of Baylor, has drawn considerable buzz for his two-way potential, athleticism, and defensive versatility. But none of that quite prepared him for what was coming when he lined up across from Klay Thompson in a casual offseason run.

In an appearance on “Podcast P”, hosted by his new teammate Paul George, Edgecombe shared the humbling moment when he tried to lock down one of the greatest shooters in NBA history—and quickly learned that even a diminished Klay Thompson can still cook anyone in front of him.

“It was bad,” Edgecombe admitted. “I’m guarding him. So the first time I guard him, he tried to post me up. He’s like, ‘Oh, I got young fella on me, pass the rock.’ I’m like, ‘Bro, come on, bro.’”

Edgecombe tried to assert himself physically, refusing to be bullied in the post. But then, as he described it, “grown man strength” kicked in.

“I’m just pushing him like, ‘You’re not posting me up.’ But then… I realized, yeah… ain’t nothing I can do about this.”

What followed was a stretch that included Klay scoring on him three straight times, shooting effortlessly over the top of the 6’5” rookie. For Edgecombe, it wasn’t just about being scored on—it was a moment of realization.

“It’s a little different. Yeah, it’s a little different. It’s a little different for sure.”

Klay Thompson: Not Washed Yet

Klay Thompson has heard the critics. He’s not the same explosive defender he once was. His lateral quickness has taken a hit, and at times last season, he struggled to find rhythm. But even in his first year with the Mavericks, he managed to average 14 points per game on 39.1% shooting from deep—proof that his core weapon remains lethal.

And as Edgecombe discovered, you can’t defend perfect form and a quick release.

Despite injuries that cost him two full seasons—an ACL tear in 2019 and an Achilles rupture in 2020—Thompson has clawed his way back into relevance. While he may no longer be a franchise centerpiece, he’s shown he can still play a meaningful role on a contending team—and schooling top rookies during the offseason is just another reminder that you never lose a shooter’s touch.

A Lesson and a Blessing

What makes the story even more impactful is that Klay didn’t just torch the rookie and walk away. After the run, he reportedly approached Edgecombe with words of encouragement and prophecy.

“He told me I’m gonna win multiple championships,” Edgecombe shared, clearly moved by the gesture.

That moment of mentorship—coming from a player with four championship rings and an Olympic gold medal—likely meant more to Edgecombe than any pre-draft interview or college accolade. It wasn’t just a lesson in basketball. It was a passing of knowledge, from a battle-tested veteran to a rising star trying to carve out his place in the league.

The 76ers’ Big Gamble

Edgecombe enters the NBA at a unique time for the Philadelphia 76ers. The team is built around Joel Embiid, the reigning MVP and one of the most dominant big men in basketball. Alongside him is newly acquired Paul George, the talented but injury-prone wing who’s expected to bring defensive grit and veteran leadership. Then there’s Tyrese Maxey, a lightning-fast guard with All-Star potential, and Quentin Grimes, a steady two-way wing.

Add VJ Edgecombe to the mix, and you’ve got a team with enough talent to challenge the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks—if, and only if, they can stay healthy.

That’s the catch. Betting on Joel Embiid to survive an 82-game season and postseason without injury has been a painful exercise in optimism for Philly fans. George, too, has had a history of untimely injuries that have derailed playoff dreams.

But if Embiid and George can stay upright, and if Edgecombe develops at even 75% of his projected ceiling, the Sixers could very well emerge as one of the most dangerous teams in the Eastern Conference.

Why This Moment Matters

Edgecombe’s moment with Klay Thompson goes beyond summer run highlight reels or podcast anecdotes. It shows the growth mindset and self-awareness required to thrive in the NBA.

He didn’t sugarcoat the matchup. He didn’t make excuses. Instead, he absorbed the lesson, respected the greatness, and shared it with fans in a way that shows his humility and hunger to improve.

Not every top-3 pick would be as candid. Some would brush off the moment as a fluke. Edgecombe embraced it.

And in doing so, he earned a different kind of respect—the kind that doesn’t show up in box scores, but goes a long way in locker rooms and among veterans.

Final Thoughts

The NBA is a league where every player, no matter how hyped, eventually hits a wall. For VJ Edgecombe, that wall came in the form of Klay Thompson, a man who has battled injuries, doubt, and time—but still knows how to get buckets.

It’s a rite of passage for young players to learn the hard way. Edgecombe just happened to get his early, courtesy of one of the league’s most respected shooters. The silver lining? He didn’t just get torched—he got mentored.

And if Klay’s words hold true, the next time these two face off, Edgecombe might be the one doing the schooling.

One lesson down. Many more to go. But for Edgecombe, the future is bright—and now officially blessed by Klay Thompson himself.