TITLE: VJ Edgecombe Named Rising Stars MVP After Guiding Team Vince to Narrow Victory
SLUG: vj-edgecombe-rising-stars-mvp-intuit-dome-2026
CONTENT:
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Philadelphia 76ers rookie guard VJ Edgecombe seized the spotlight on the first night of NBA All-Star weekend, securing Most Valuable Player honors as Team Vince edged Team Melo by a single point in Friday’s Rising Stars final at Intuit Dome.
With the score locked one shy of the target 25, Edgecombe knocked down a pair of free throws to seal the 25-24 win for the squad drafted and coached by Hall of Famer Vince Carter. The 20-year-old finished the championship game with 12 points and added three assists.
Key performance in semifinal
Earlier in the night, Edgecombe poured in 17 of Team Vince’s 41 points — including the last 10 — to eliminate Team Tracy, selected by fellow Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady. The four-team mini-tournament format featured target scores instead of a game clock, emphasizing a race to 25 in the final and 40 in the semifinals.
Motivation from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
The rookie credited a pre-weekend conversation with NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for his approach. Abdul-Jabbar spoke to the Rising Stars participants Thursday night about maximizing opportunities on and off the court. Edgecombe said the message pushed him and his teammates to “compete, not coast.”
Teammates and supporting cast
Edgecombe was Carter’s first selection in the Rising Stars draft. The roster also included Derik Queen (New Orleans Pelicans), Matas Buzelis (Chicago Bulls) and Kyshawn George (Washington Wizards), who echoed Edgecombe’s win-first attitude. Courtside, 76ers All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey watched as his backcourt partner led the charge.
Rookie season snapshot
Edgecombe has averaged 14.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists through his first 53 NBA games, highlighted by a 34-point debut against Boston on opening night. Friday’s showcase reinforced expectations that the Nassau native could appear in the main All-Star Game before long.
The Rising Stars event began with a matchup between Team Austin — coached by former Clippers guard Austin Rivers and composed of NBA G League players — and Anthony’s selection. Anthony’s team advanced before falling to Carter’s group in the final.
All-Star Saturday events continue at Intuit Dome, with the 73rd NBA All-Star Game slated for Sunday.
Source: ESPN
