Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe has revealed that representing the Bahamas at the Olympic Games would mean more to him than winning an NBA championship.
Speaking on Jaylen Brown’s livestream, Edgecombe was asked about potentially playing for the Bahamas in the Olympics and made his priorities clear.
“This might sound crazy but, I would rather do that than winning the championship in the NBA,” Edgecombe said.
The 20-year-old has quickly established himself as an important part of Philadelphia’s future, but his ambitions extend beyond the NBA. An Olympic appearance with the Bahamas would represent a significant milestone for a national team that has yet to qualify for the men’s Olympic basketball tournament.
The Bahamas has made progress in international basketball in recent years, particularly after winning the 2023 FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Argentina. That victory earned the team a place in the qualifying tournament for the Paris 2024 Olympics, bringing it closer to its goal without securing an Olympic berth.
Edgecombe could be central to the country’s efforts to take the next step. Alongside other Bahamian NBA talent, including Deandre Ayton, Buddy Hield and Eric Gordon, he gives the national team experience and scoring ability that could help it compete against stronger programs in the Americas.
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The guard has produced impressive numbers in international competition. He averaged 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists in four games at the 2024 Olympic qualifying tournament, shooting 57.1% from the field.
He was even more productive during the Bahamas’ 2025 World Cup qualifying campaign, averaging 23.3 points, six rebounds and 2.3 assists in three appearances. Edgecombe shot 57.8% from the field and 58.1% from three-point range in those games.
Edgecombe averaged 16 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 75 regular-season games during his 2025-26 rookie campaign with the 76ers. He shot 43.8% from the field and 35.4% from three-point range while playing 35 minutes per game.
He also appeared in 11 playoff games, averaging 14 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists as Philadelphia competed in the postseason.
The 76ers have since reshaped their roster, adding LeBron James and acquiring Jaylen Brown in a major offseason trade. Philadelphia will have championship ambitions, giving Edgecombe an opportunity to pursue the NBA’s biggest prize early in his career.
However, his comments show that an NBA title would not necessarily be his most meaningful basketball achievement. Helping the Bahamas reach the Olympics would give Edgecombe the chance to accomplish something the country has never achieved in men’s basketball.
