Before VJ Edgecombe has even played a minute of NBA basketball, the Philadelphia 76ers’ No. 3 overall pick is already in the crosshairs of a rising rival… Bennedict Mathurin of the Indiana Pacers. And the trash talk? It’s loud, direct, and personal.
During a recent appearance on Podcast P with Paul George, Edgecombe recounted a surprising encounter with Mathurin at EuroCamp, where Edgecombe had just been named MVP. Instead of a handshake or congratulations, Mathurin approached him with a blunt message:
“When you get to the league, I’ma bust ya a**,” Mathurin reportedly said.
Edgecombe, visibly amused and slightly baffled, but didn’t forget the moment.
“I don’t like how he be doing the young cat,” Edgecombe said. “He ain’t even say what’s up. He’s like, ‘Yeah, I’ma bust ya a**.’ I’m like, damn, where the love at?”
VJ Edgecombe already has an NBA rival 👀😂
“Bennedict Mathurin come talking to me, ‘When you get to the league I’ma bust ya a**.’” pic.twitter.com/in87Y5170F
— Podcast P with Paul George (@PodcastPShow) July 28, 2025
While Mathurin’s comment may seem harsh, it’s not entirely out of character. The Pacers guard has built a reputation for confidence and competitive fire since entering the league in 2022. But for Edgecombe, the moment served as fuel, not frustration.
The 19-year-old rookie has already shown flashes of brilliance in Summer League, dropping 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists in his debut, followed by another strong outing against the Wizards.
