Edgecombe Aspires to Echo LeBron After Surpassing James’ Debut Record
V.J. Edgecombe has made a remarkable entrance into the NBA, positioning himself as a rising star. In his debut game for the Philadelphia 76ers, he shattered a long-standing record previously held by LeBron James.
Record-Breaking Debut Performance
On October 23, 2025, Edgecombe scored an impressive 34 points, leading the 76ers to a nail-biting 117-116 victory over the Boston Celtics. His debut performance is historic, marking the highest points scored by an NBA debutant since Wilt Chamberlain recorded 43 points in 1959. It also eclipsed the franchise debut record of 30 points set by Allen Iverson in 1996.
Debut Statistics
- Points Scored: 34
- Shooting Accuracy: 13-of-26
- Three-Pointers: 5
- Rebounds: 7
- Assists: 3
- Steals: 1
Edgecombe’s performance ranks as the third-highest scoring debut in NBA history. Only Chamberlain and Frank Selvy, who scored 35 points in 1954, have recorded better performances on their first nights.
Breaking Further Records
In addition to his overall scoring, Edgecombe set a record for the most points in a player’s first NBA quarter, scoring 14 points. This surpassed the previous record set by LeBron James during his debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003.
Edgecombe’s Aspirations
After the game, Edgecombe expressed his joy in being compared to NBA legends, highlighting his desire for longevity similar to that of LeBron James. “It feels good to have my name mentioned with LeBron. It’s amazing. But for me, it’s about longevity. I hope I can do that too,” he stated.
Head Coach’s Praise
Head Coach Nick Nurse praised Edgecombe’s maturity, stating, “That’s an amazing first-game performance. It really is. That’s a neat list to get on.”
Next Game
The Philadelphia 76ers will face the Charlotte Hornets in their next matchup. Fans are eager to see if Edgecombe can build on his groundbreaking debut.
