Edgecombe Embracing His Own Voice Ahead of Second Season

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UNITED STATES – VJ Edgecombe is entering his second season with the Philadelphia 76ers, and Monday’s media day made it clear he is not looking to take a back seat despite the arrival of several new stars.

Edgecombe will share the court this season with 4x NBA champion LeBron James and former NBA finals MVP jaylen Brown, while continuing to play alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.

Despite the added star power, the discussion around Edgecombe’s role has centered on him continuing to be himself, with James pushing back on the idea that the Bahamian guard should have to sacrifice his role.

Edgecombe also showed his growing personality and leadership with the team, revealing that he was the one who initiated the Sixers’ offseason group chat after the team acquired Jaylen Brown.

The second-year guard enters the season after a strong rookie campaign in which he averaged 16 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.4 steals over 75 games.

Hield Brings Experience and Shooting to Young Bulls Roster

Bahamian NBA veteran Buddy Hield has officially started his next chapter, making his first appearance with the Chicago Bulls at Monday’s media day just two days after being traded to the team.

Hield was acquired from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for guard Rob Dillingham and cash considerations, marking the second trade for the 33-year-old in just a few days.

The 10-year NBA veteran now joins a young Bulls roster that also features veterans Norman Powell and Nic Claxton, with Chicago’s new front office looking to establish a new culture around its younger players.

Hield brings one of the league’s most proven three-point shooting resumes to Chicago, having connected on 39.5% of his career three-point attempts while averaging 7.3 three-point attempts per game.

He will wear No.7 for the Bulls, a number previously worn by Rob Dillingham, the player Chicago sent to Charlotte to acquire him.

Hield and the Bulls now turn their attention to training camp, with Chicago’s pre-season schedule beginning October 7 against the Phoenix Suns.

Ayton Starts New Chapter in Washington

Deandre Ayton has officially begun a new chapter with the Washington Wizards, meeting the media Monday ahead of his first season in the nation’s capital.

Ayton was acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers in July, after a season in which he averaged 12.5 points and 8 rebounds per game.

One of the biggest changes for the former No.1 overall pick will be his role, as Ayton is expected to come off the bench behind Alex Sarr.

Ayton has started 363 consecutive games since last coming off the bench in 2020, but he said at media day he’s ready to accept whatever role Head Coach Brian Keefe gives him.

With Washington also featuring Anthony Davis, Trae Young and No.1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa, Ayton enters a deeper Wizards roster looking to help the team take another step forward.