VJ Edgecombe always had the tools to be an incredible player in the NBA. However, his rookie season was expected to be more developmental than immediately dominant. That hasn’t been the case over the last two weeks, as the Sixers already rely on Edgecombe to be a consistent scorer and a big part of their offensive plans.
Is that sustainable? Probably not, as Edgecombe will eventually hit the rookie wall that most first-year players hit at some point. However, that doesn’t mean the Sixers should move away from Edgecombe; he already contributes in enough non-scoring ways to be a positive player on the field. The plan to integrate him early and often is smart.
I also don’t want this to sound like a knock on Edgecombe, especially after his phenomenal start. That’s not it at all – I love watching this guy play. This is just a realistic outlook for a rookie; even the ‘generational talents’ encounter a number of learning curves.
So I can’t help but wonder how the Sixers might want to adjust their offensive targets if Edgecombe’s efficiency and volume dip. The simplest answer is the most obvious, but it’s also one that fans won’t have much confidence in: Paul George. A good PG will solve (not dramatically) every problem the Sixers have.
Can Paul George be the No. 3 scorer in Philly?
If you forgot that Paul George is still a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, you’re not alone. But George is still on this team and will play eventually, and if only he has one Good As the No. 3 scorer and connector for the Sixers, it will alleviate much of the burden currently on Edgecombe’s shoulders.
Maybe VJ Edgecombe is just further along in his scoring development than we thought. Of course, that would be the best-case scenario for the Sixers. But if the defense starts turning on him and he starts scoring, the best solution would be to let Paul George (when he returns) handle more ball duties while Edgecombe can still be a spark.
“Edgecombe is playing like the rookie of the year. But he’s not just playing like the Rookie of the Year, he’s also playing like a seasoned vet, like an All-Star,” Draymond Green said of the Sixers rookie, who will feel to Sixers fans like the “worst guy you know who just made a great point.”
The VJ Edgecombe hype is real, and rightly so. If he ever hits a bump in the road, the Sixers should be ready to adjust rather than panic.
#Edgecombes #reality #check #shouldnt #deter #76ers #valid #plan