MIAMI — Growing up in Bimini in The Bahamas, Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe naturally grew an affinity for the Miami Heat. They are the closest NBA team in proximity growing up so he has vivid memories of watching great players like Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and others as they led the Heat to greatness.

As Edgecombe walked into Kaseya Center for the first time as a pro on Monday morning to prepare for a big matchup with the Heat, it just meant a little more to him at this stage of his career.

“Yeah, kinda,” Edgecombe smiled, talking with Sixers Wire. “When I was watching (as a kid), it was American Airlines (Arena). It changed the name and all, but obviously, to me, it will always be American Airlines. It’s what I grew up watching.”

Edgecombe has been a terrific player for the Sixers as he has his name squarely in Rookie of the Year conversations with Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks and Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets. He has been helpful for Philadelphia making a big playoff push at this stage of the season and the Sixers will continue to look to him to make an impact against the Heat on Monday night.

With that being said, he can also enjoy the significance of playing in Miami. Not everybody gets to experience playing in an arena of their favorite team they watched growing up. Edgecombe is going to enjoy the Kaseya Center while also helping the Sixers earn a big win over the Heat.

“It’s kinda surreal,” he added. “I was a Heat fan growing up. So, I let my mom and them know. I let most of my family know. So, it’s kinda like a home team for me, but I’m happy just to play against them in this building. The most important thing for me is just winning. It won’t be fun if we lose.”

The Sixers and the Heat will tip off at 7 p.m. EDT on Monday.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers rookie VJ Edgecombe opens up on significance of 1st Miami game

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