Dwiane Wade explains why VJ Edgecombe reminds him of himself

NBA Hall of Fame Dwiane Wade see something familiar in Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe — alone.

On the latest episode of Time Out with Dwiane Wade on the VI Network, the Miami Heat legend explained why the 20-year-old guard quickly caught his eye, noting the similarities in their playing styles and mentalities.

“I think the similarities between my two-back game and his two-back game is right on you, downhill, I’m going to hit you and I don’t care,” Wade said. “I want you to jump. I want you to jump. And those are the similarities because I was straight downhill towards you. When you see him going downhill, he looks like someone you’ve seen before.”

Wade also reflected on how the two-guard position has evolved and how Edgecomb is helping to redefine it.

“You know they kind of tried to move away from the two guard position because they’re all so damn tall and long in terms of length, arm length,” Wade said. “That was the new wave, but now it’s like us guys under 6’7 can play the hoop and we need those guys at the two guard position.”

His support continued with full support:

“I’ve seen all there is to see. Sign me up. I’m on—what do we call it, is it a train, a wagon? I’m on it.”

Dwyane Wade’s praise highlights VJ Edgecombe’s rise in 76ers’ rematch with Celtics

Edgecombe, selected third overall in Junehe quickly assumed a significant role with the 76ers. In 10 games, he is averaging 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 42.7% from the field and 36.5% from three-point range in 37.6 minutes per game.

The 6-foot-5 guard made an immediate impact in his NBA debut, scoring 34 points on 13-for-26 shooting to go along with seven rebounds, three assists and a steal in Philadelphia’s 117-116 opener win over the Boston Celtics. The play was the highest-scoring rookie debut in the 21st century and the most since Wilt Chamberlain’s 43-point debut in 1959.

Edgecombe excelled again in the team’s last meeting with Boston — a Defeated 109-108 Oct. 31 in NBA Cup game — finished with 17 points, five rebounds and five assists on 7-for-11 shooting.

Now 6-4, the 76ers will host the Celtics (5-6) in a rematch on Tuesday night at 8:00 PM ET on NBC Peacock. Edgecomb, along with Tyrese Maxey, has been instrumental in Philadelphia’s early-season success, helping to balance assignments and tempo while Joel Embiid continues to work through injury limitations.

Wade’s praise further solidifies Edgecombe’s rapidly rising profile among NBA rookies, especially as he continues to display elite-level athleticism and a fearless mindset — two traits that have defined Wade’s Hall of Fame career. With continued development, Edgecombe is positioning itself as a cornerstone for Philadelphia’s future.