Philadelphia reporter Kyle Pagan didn’t hold back when he saw VJ Edgecombe sidelined with a minor thumb injury. Pagan sarcastically commented on the rookie’s situation, suggesting he already fits the mold of a typical 76er — a reference to the team’s persistent injury troubles.
“He’s already a Sixer,” Pagan posted on X, taking a jab at the franchise’s long history of sidelined players. He made the remark after Edgecombe missed the 76ers’ second Summer League game in Salt Lake City due to the injury.
Injuries hit the 76ers hard in 2024
Last season, the 76ers dealt with a wave of injuries that derailed their playoff hopes. According to Sportskeeda, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid all missed significant time. Embiid only played 19 games before doctors performed surgery on his left knee.
He’s already a sixer 🥹 https://t.co/raGXeFHXvJ
— Kyle Pagan (@CBKylePagan) July 7, 2025
George sprained his knee in the preseason and struggled through 41 games before the coaching staff shut him down in March to allow for full recovery. Maxey played 52 games, but he missed several weeks early in the season with a hamstring injury. In April, the medical team ruled him out for the rest of the year after he strained a finger.
Those injuries prevented the Sixers from building a consistent lineup, and the team ended the season with a disappointing 24–58 record — the fifth-worst in the league. However, the front office used its third overall pick to draft VJ Edgecombe from Baylor, banking on his potential.
Edgecombe quickly proved his value, lighting up the Summer League with 28 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal in a breakout performance. His play justified the Sixers’ faith in him.
Despite the impressive outing, the coaching staff removed him from Monday’s lineup to rest his bruised thumb. Coach Jones clarified that the team made the move as a precaution and that Edgecombe’s injury doesn’t raise any serious concerns going forward.
