Why Sixers rookie VJ Edgecombe is watching highlights from Celtics' Derrick White
The Big 12 Freshman of the Year is the same position as White and nearly the same height, generating some easy comparisons. Edgecombe joined Sixers teammate Paul George on the "Podcast P" show and discussed how White, ex-Celtic Jrue Holiday, and 2025 NBA champion Lu Dort are influencing his defensive game.
"I watch defensive clips," he said. "I'm watching Jrue Holiday, Derrick White...Lu Dort. I'm watching them. Just trying to learn both ends of the floor. They're the main people I watch."
It's no secret that the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft has two-way potential. Edgecombe's athleticism helps him on both sides of the floor, as he averaged 15 points per game during his freshman year while recording 68 steals, the most of any frosh in the history of Baylor basketball.
White, who was the second-to-last pick of the first round back in 2017, wasn't as highly regarded as Edgecombe in college. However, the former D-II hooper developed into a two-way stud and helped the Celtics win it all in 2024.
The injured 2025-26 Celtics are far from that title team at the moment, leaving the Sixers with the more palpable championship aspirations. But, Philadelphia isn't completely healthy either due to center Joel Embiid's lurking knee issues and Paul George's summer surgery.
As a result, White and Edgecombe will be asked to step up for their respective squads next season. And since the Celtics and Sixers both inhabit the Atlantic Division, White and Edgecombe are destined for an on-court battle in the coming months.
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