Imagine a rookie stepping onto the grand stage of the NBA All-Star weekend, not just to participate, but to dominate. That’s exactly what Philadelphia 76ers’ V.J. Edgecombe did, proving he’s a force to be reckoned with. But here’s where it gets even more impressive: Edgecombe didn’t just shine—he led Team Vince to victory in the Rising Stars game, capping off the night with an MVP trophy and a performance that left everyone talking. Could this be a glimpse of the future NBA All-Star we’ll see in the main event soon? Only time will tell.
Updated on: February 14, 2026 / 4:06 PM EST / AP
Add CBS News on Google (https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=cbsnews.com)
V.J. Edgecombe exudes a quiet confidence that suggests he’s not just aiming for the NBA All-Star weekend—he’s planning to be a centerpiece of it. Until that moment arrives, the Philadelphia rookie made the most of his first appearance at this midseason spectacle. With two clutch, game-ending scores and a well-deserved MVP trophy, Edgecombe stole the show in the Rising Stars event, leaving no doubt about his potential.
On Friday night, Edgecombe spearheaded Team Vince’s victory in the opening event of the NBA All-Star weekend. He dropped 17 points in the semifinal and sealed the deal in the final with two ice-cold free throws. ‘We all wanted to compete, and I wanted to win,’ Edgecombe said. ‘I really hate losing, and when we had a shot at taking it all, I wasn’t going to let that slip away.’
The Rising Stars tournament, held at the Los Angeles Clippers’ Intuit Dome, featured a mix of the NBA’s brightest rookies, sophomores, and G League prospects. The format? A four-team showdown with three games, each played to a set point total. While Edgecombe was undoubtedly the star of the night, another moment stole the spotlight: San Antonio guard Dylan Harper’s game-winning shot over his older brother, Ron Harper Jr., in the first semifinal. Talk about family rivalry!
Dylan Harper continued his hot streak in the final, scoring eight more points for Team Melo alongside his Spurs teammate, Stephon Castle. Castle, last season’s Rookie of the Year and Rising Stars MVP, nearly clinched the win with a putback dunk, but Edgecombe’s composure at the free-throw line secured the 25-24 victory for Team Vince.
And this is the part most people miss: Edgecombe’s motivation wasn’t just personal—it was fueled by the presence of his 76ers teammate, All-Star Tyrese Maxey, who watched courtside. ‘He told me he wasn’t coming to watch unless I played hard,’ Edgecombe revealed. ‘So I thought, ‘Man, I’ve got to give it my all so his time isn’t wasted.’
Unlike the often lackadaisical efforts seen in recent All-Star Games, the Rising Stars event was a display of genuine competitiveness. Edgecombe credited the four NBA veterans leading the teams—Vince Carter, Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, and Austin Rivers—for setting the tone. ‘When the vets were drafting teams, I told Carter, ‘Pick me if you want to win,’ Edgecombe recalled. ‘They kept pushing us, saying, ‘Just go! Keep playing hard!’ And we fed off that energy.’
Edgecombe’s dominance was undeniable. He scored nearly half of his team’s 41 points in the second semifinal, including the final 10 in a row. Even in the final, the No. 3 overall pick from last year’s draft delivered, scoring the last four points. Meanwhile, Dylan Harper’s game-winner in the first semifinal was a highlight reel in itself—a series of moves that left Ron Jr. in the paint and ended with a step-back jumper. The Harper brothers’ famous father couldn’t contain his laughter courtside.
But here’s a thought-provoking question: Is the Rising Stars game truly a complete showcase of the NBA’s young talent? With No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, Washington’s Alex Sarr, and Memphis’ Cedric Coward all sidelined due to injuries, some might argue it fell short. Still, Edgecombe’s duel with Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel—the only other serious contenders for Rookie of the Year—was a highlight, as he hit three 3-pointers en route to outscoring Knueppel 17-4.
The event kicked off with a bang when Clippers prospect Yanic Konan Niederhäuser, drafted last summer by the All-Star weekend hosts, threw down a lob from Ron Harper Jr. for the first basket. The Swiss big man’s dunk sent The Wall—an extra-steep supporters’ section at Intuit Dome—into a frenzy, thanks to Clippers owner Steve Ballmer’s innovative design. Niederhäuser led his team with 11 points in the first semifinal, but it was Edgecombe’s night to shine.
In: Carmelo Anthony (https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/tag/carmelo-anthony/), Boston Celtics (https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/tag/boston-celtics/), Philadelphia 76ers (https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/tag/philadelphia-76ers/), Sports (https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/tag/sports/), Los Angeles Clippers (https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/tag/los-angeles-clippers/), NBA (https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/tag/nba/), Tracy McGrady (https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/tag/tracy-mcgrady/), Basketball (https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/tag/basketball/)
Controversial Take: While Edgecombe’s performance was undeniable, does the Rising Stars game truly predict future All-Star success? Or is it just a fleeting moment of glory? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s debate!
