Allen Iverson compares 'dog' VJ Edgecombe to former Sixers teammates: 'You have everything that it takes'

“You’ve got that one thing that you cannot teach, and that’s that dog,” Iverson told the Sixers rookie.

Former Sixers guard Allen Iverson with former teammates Eric Snow (left) and George Lynch (right) during the 25th anniversary of the NBA finals team.Read moreYong Kim / Staff Photographer

Published April 7, 2026, 5:43 p.m. ET

VJ Edgecombe’s name has come up in the same sentence as Allen Iverson’s a few times during the Sixers guard’s rookie season. Now, it’s time for the Hall of Famer and franchise legend to give the rookie his flowers.

“The one thing I love about you the most is, yes, you have all the intangibles, you have everything that it takes. The whole arsenal in your offensive package. It’s only going to get better,” Iverson said during a conversation with Edgecombe posted on the Sixers YouTube channel. “But you’ve got that one thing that you cannot teach, and that’s that dog. You know what I mean?”

Edgecombe, who is averaging 16 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4 assists, sat with the 11-time All-Star as the two watched film. When it came to NBA comparisons for the rookie, Iverson had a few of his former Sixers teammates in mind.

“It reminds me so much of Eric Snow and Aaron McKie,” Iverson said of Edgecombe’s drive. “E [Snow] was just a dog. Like, we just put him on Kobe [Bryant] and all the toughest matchups. And he relished the moment. And that’s how it seems with you. You just buckle up and throw the ball up and let’s go. And whatever happens, happens.”

Edgecombe didn’t waste any time putting his name alongside Iverson’s in the Sixers’ record books, starting with a historic debut in which the third overall pick scored 34 points, passing Iverson’s 30 points against Milwaukee in 1996 for the most in a debut in franchise history. Edgecombe’s hot start continued and helped earn him a selection in this season’s Rising Stars Challenge during NBA All-Star Weekend, and even a shoutout from the Prime Minister of the Bahamas.

Last month against the Sacramento Kings, Edgecombe joined Iverson, Ben Simmons, and Jared McCain as the fourth rookie in franchise history to record a 30-point, 10-assist game — finishing the night with 38 points and 11 assists — on his way to being named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for the first time.

Edgecombe has also recorded some notable highlights that kept Iverson entertained, including a pair of game-winning baskets. One was a three-pointer in overtime against the Memphis Grizzlies in late December; the other was a game-winning putback against the Golden State Warriors that showed off the rookie’s athleticism and outsized basketball IQ.

“That was crazy man,” Iverson said. “I was jumping around so crazy at the crib.”

The Sixers’ regular season wraps up on Sunday at home against the Milwaukee Bucks and they’re locked in to at least making the NBA’s Play-In Tournament and could finish as high as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.

If Edgecombe’s playoff debut is anything like his first game in a Sixers uniform, he won’t find his name next to Iverson’s this time. It’s actually Julius Erving (36 against the Celtics in 1977) who holds the franchise record for most points in an NBA playoff debut (although he previously played in the ABA playoffs). And “Boston Strangler” Andrew Toney (35 against the Celtics in 1981) has the record for most by a rookie in a playoff debut.

In case you’re wondering, Iverson scored 30 points in his playoff debut against the Magic in 1999.