Phialdelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe posts stats that build early momentum in Rookie of the Year discussions, but his most profound impact isn’t reflected in the box score. Edgecombe has entered the NBA with the poise and mentality of a veteran and has contributed positively in ways that first-year players rarely do.
With an advanced understanding of the importance of positioning, off-ball activity and the impossible task of tuning the sound from outside, Edgecombe is already leading by example.
Edgecombe’s numbers were nothing short of brilliant through two regular season games. He started his career with a 34-point outburst in a win over the Boston Celtics and followed by posting 15 points, eight assists, six rebounds, three steals and a block during a win against the Charlotte Hornets.
Edgecombe has also buried six three-point field goals in two appearances, rounding out his incredible contributions in versatile form.
As spectacular as these numbers are, Edgecombe’s most profound impact is the way he seems to calm the 76ers down. He’s everywhere the team needs him, both in the ways that will deliver the highlight and in the ways that won’t.
Whether it’s knowing when to gamble defensively or simply creating ideal passing routes for his teammates, Edgecombe is a veteran in rookie form.
VJ Edgecombe has an advanced understanding of balance and positioning
Edgecombe was nothing short of impressive during off-ball situations on the offensive end of the floor. When a teammate has the ball in their hands, the rookie always seems to adjust their position to anticipate their needs.
That has inevitably meant that scorers and playmakers have the ability to pass out of double teams and avoid the turnovers that might have plagued them a season ago.
As small as that may seem, it’s a valuable form of perspective on how to ensure the offense runs smoothly and efficiently. Even when shots aren’t falling, the 76ers are less prone to unforced errors when there’s someone on the court whose goal is to ensure their teammates succeed.
Even if Edgecombe struggles to bury shots at times, the fact that Philadelphia can reset possession and redirect their strategy through a newcomer’s situational awareness is an invaluable advantage.
Additionally, Edgecombe has done a phenomenal job of toning down the excessive negativity surrounding the 76ers. He could have easily ended up in his current situation out of fear for the future, knowing that both Joel Embiid and Paul George are highly paid stars with many injury concerns.
Instead, Edgecombe plays his game based on what each game calls for: the kind of maturity and attention to detail that many veterans struggle to display.
Edgecombe will clearly make more headlines for the dominance he seems capable of showing at times, and perhaps for good reason. On a nightly basis, however, his greatest value will be the ability to adapt to his team’s needs and make on-the-fly decisions that may never appear in the box score.
As much as you want to try to track and quantify Edgecombe’s development, it’s what can’t be seen that will make the 76ers successful when he’s on the field.
#76ers #rookie #Edgecombe #turning #heads #reasons #statistics #explain