CAMDEN, N.J. — Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe has had a strong start to his career as the No. 3 overall pick is averaging 14.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists while shooting 41.4% from the floor overall and 37.6% from deep through 20 games.
As Edgecombe goes through the ups and downs of the season, he needs to be able to rely on others to step in, and show him the ropes of the NBA. Luckily for the Sixers, they have some veterans who can do so at a high level.
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For example, Paul George is somebody the youngsters can turn to for any advice. Edgecombe has gone to the 9-time All-Star, and 16-year veteran, in an effort to help adjust to the league and the way things are.
“P helps me a lot,” Edgecombe explained at practice on Thursday. “That’s someone I have a good relationship with. So, he helps me a lot. Just telling me the little things. Just telling me the things he experienced as a rookie, but overall, we have a personal relationship outside of basketball. So, yeah. It’s good.”
The biggest piece of advice George has given to Edgecombe is just be himself. The Sixers have plenty of guys who can do a number of things on the floor, but George just wants Edgecombe to be himself and to play basketball the way he knows how.
“He’s always just telling me to be myself,” Edgecombe explained. “That’s the main thing he’s been telling me. It doesn’t matter if he’s on the floor or Jo’s (Embiid) on the floor, Tyrese is on the floor, whoever’s on the floor, just be myself. He helps me with defensive tips. Just little things like that. Any way I can get better.”
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Edgecombe has a maniacal thirst and want to be better on an every day basis. The rookie guard is continuing to take steps forward and having George on his side can be a big help for this group.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers rookie gives love to Paul George for helping him adjust to NBA