By Chalien Dantes

The Philadelphia 76ers may have found their missing piece in rookie VJ Edgecombe, whose Summer League debut silenced doubters. 

The Bahamian sensation exploded for 28 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks in his July 5th debut against the Utah Jazz, who won 93-89.

Edgecombe’s seamless transition to NBA pace was particularly impressive as the 19-year-old shooting guard carved up defences that belied his rookie status. Though a thumb injury has sidelined him for Philadelphia’s last two Summer League contests, his opening performance offered a tantalising preview of what he could bring to a 76ers squad in need of youthful energy.

The Bahamas might just become famous for producing NBA talent. It all started with Mychal Thompson (Klay Thompson’s dad) blazing the trail as the No. 1 pick back in 1978. Then came smooth shooting champion Rick Fox, showing that Bahamian flair could win rings.

Today, the NBA’s Bahamian connection runs deep from Buddy Hield’s golden stroke to Deandre Ayton’s dominance in the paint, and even Eric Gordon repping his mom’s homeland while lighting it up in Philly. Now Edgecombe gets to write his own story.

The way he’s started, this might be the most exciting Bahamian basketball chapter yet. Not bad for an island nation of just 400,000 people.