The 76ers hosted the Pacers on Monday evening for their second of four meetings in 2025-26. Philadelphia needed a second-half comeback to beat Indiana 113-104.Â
With that win, the Sixers are 23-18, currently fifth in the Eastern Conference. Against the Pacers on Monday, 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe had a modest 11 points. However, the former top-three pick had a monstrous dunk in the third quarter that left fans in awe. The Xfinity Mobile Arena was rocking after that big-time finish. After the game, VJ Edgecombe said he doesn’t have any interest in participating in the Dunk Contest.
VJ Edgecombe has no desire to be in the 2025-26 dunk contest
VJ Edgecombe says he would DECLINE to be in the dunk contest if asked. 😲
"Nah. I'm good." pic.twitter.com/XCudDieLi5
— PHLY Sixers (@PHLY_Sixers) January 20, 2026
In the 2025 NBA draft, the 76ers used the third overall pick to select VJ Edgecombe out of Baylor. As a rookie, Edgecombe has started all 37 games he’s appeared in. The talented rookie is averaging 15.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Additionally, Edgecombe is shooting a solid .377% from beyond the arc in his first professional season. He is currently flourishing as a rookie for the Sixers. Against the Pacers on Monday, VJ Edgecombe finished with 11 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
Midway through the third quarter, Tyrese Maxey passed the ball to VJ Edgecombe, who was cutting to the basket. The rookie was moving at full speed and had bad intentions. Veteran center Tony Bradley was no match for VJ Edgecombe’s monstrous one-handed slam. On the play, the rook took a big hit and landed hard on the ground. Afterward, Edgecombe told reporters, “I landed too hard. It feels good to dunk on somebody. But it hurt because I landed bad.”
V.J. EDGECOMBE POSTER —
OH MY GOODNESS. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 20, 2026
One media member asked VJ Edgecombe if he had any interest in the dunk contest this season. Without saying a word, Edgecomne immediately shook his head no and said, “Yeah, I ain’t doing that.” The rookie would not give a specific reason for why he doesn’t want to compete in the 2026 Dunk Contest.
In 2025-26, VJ Edgecombe has been one of the top rookies in the NBA. He’s been a fan-favorite for the Sixers since he scored 34 points in his first game. Additionally, he is one of three rookies this season with at least 10+ games scoring 20 or more points. VJ Edgecombe has been a welcome addition to the Sixers’ roster this season.
He looks like a player the team can rely on and build around for years to come. He and Tyrese Macey are a strong backcourt pairing in the league. Imagine what they can be when Edgecombe has a few years of experience under his belt.
