Warriors’ Buddy Hield Praises Rookie VJ Edgecombe Ahead of Showdown

URGENT UPDATE: As the Golden State Warriors gear up to face the Philadelphia 76ers on October 27, 2025, veteran Buddy Hield is vocal about the rising star of his home country, VJ Edgecombe. Hield, the seasoned player and mentor, declares Edgecombe is ready to make a splash as a rookie in the NBA.

Just days before their highly anticipated matchup, Hield, 32, expressed his excitement about Edgecombe, stating, “He’s homegrown, he’s self-grown, he’s that guy.” Edgecombe, the No. 3 overall pick in the recent draft, is averaging 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in an impressive 36.4 minutes per game.

This game marks a significant moment for both players, showcasing the mentorship and growth from Hield to Edgecombe. Hield has been closely following Edgecombe’s journey since he was just a teenager at Hield’s basketball camp in the Bahamas. With the 76ers showing unexpected competitiveness, Edgecombe’s role as a key player alongside Tyrese Maxey could shape Philadelphia’s future, especially with uncertainties around Joel Embiid’s health.

Edgecombe’s rise has been meteoric. After excelling at Long Island Lutheran high school, he dominated his single season at Baylor, leading to his lottery draft pick. Hield was present on draft night, emphasizing the bond they share, as Edgecombe stated, “Buddy came to the draft. He pulled up just to show love. It means a lot.”

Hield has long believed in Edgecombe’s potential, stating back in April, “VJ is up next.” Despite being young, Edgecombe is filled with raw talent and athleticism, ready to adapt to the pace and demands of the NBA. Hield noted, “I knew that once he got to the NBA, once he got that space and was surrounded by great players, he was going to be just fine.”

As the Warriors and 76ers prepare for this clash, all eyes will be on Edgecombe and Hield, making it a must-watch game for basketball fans. Will Edgecombe continue to shine as a rookie, or will Hield’s experience prove decisive? Stay tuned for what promises to be an exhilarating showdown.