The Philadelphia 76ers are off to a scorching 4-0 start, powered by their explosive backcourt duo of Tyrese Maxey and rookie sensation VJ Edgecombe. While the team’s on-court performance has been impressive, Hall of Famer Charles Barkley recently shifted the spotlight away from basketball to something a bit more domestic—Edgecombe’s interior design choices.
During a recent ESPN segment, Barkley humorously took a jab at the No. 3 pick after noticing the bare walls of Edgecombe’s apartment during the interview. Turning to Maxey, Barkley suggested the veteran should step up and help his young teammate furnish his place.
“You know, my question is for you. You got paid, and you earned it. Why don’t you buy the young guy some stuff to put on his d**n wall?” Barkley asked. “Because you got all these nice-ass paintings. He’s got just regular white walls. Come on, man. If you’re going to be a vet, lead by example. Buy that man something to put on the wall.”
The rookie was clearly amused by the banter, responding with a lighthearted, “Thank you, Chuck.”
Maxey defended himself, pointing out that Edgecombe isn’t exactly struggling financially. “Listen, let me tell you something. Number three pick, number three pick,” Maxey fired back. “He’s got Adidas on his chest. They’re going to make sure he’s alright, I’m telling you. Everything else? I got him though. He knows I got him.”
This playful exchange highlights the chemistry between the 76ers’ dynamic backcourt duo.
Edgecombe has delivered on the court from day one, dropping 34 points in his debut against Boston. That performance ranks third all-time for a rookie’s first game, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain and Frank Selvy. Through four games, he’s averaging 22.3 points while leading the league’s rookie leaderboard.
His four-year rookie contract is worth roughly $50.4 million, with a first-year salary of $11.1 million. Add in his Adidas endorsement deal that Maxey mentioned, and it’s clear the walls will likely remain bare by choice, not budget.
For now, Edgecombe’s walls can stay bare. At this rate, he’ll have plenty of accolades to decorate them soon enough.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/philadelphia-76ers/76ers-news-charles-barkley-troll-vj-edgecombe