While the Philadelphia 76ers' season may have ended in bitter disappointment, there are many positives to take from a campaign that fans expected little from; most notably, the exciting partnership of VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey. However, despite Maxey’s improvement as a playmaker, the Sixers’ need for a natural facilitator remains obvious. If Philadelphia acquires a player in that mould, Edgecombe could be forced into a frontcourt role to make the fit work.
Maxey needs help running the 76ers' offense
Tyrese Maxey has been burdened with an exhausting role in Philadelphia's rotation this year -- averaging a league-high 38 minutes per game during the regular season. Of course, given the lack of guard depth and the 25-year-old's exceptional development, Nick Nurse had no choice but to field his star man consistently. Nevertheless, having a partner capable of dictating the offense would allow Maxey to fully maximise a scoring potential that may not have reached its ceiling yet.
Philadelphia’s electric guard is putting up a career-best 28.6 points and 6.6 assists per game, proving his on-ball skills keep getting better with each passing season. Even with those improved numbers, the 76ers still require greater versatility if they are to compete with Eastern Conference contenders such as the New York Knicks. If Maxey is being contained, how can this current roster adapt on the court to find creation elsewhere? Evidently, they cannot.
With standout playmakers like Tyus Jones and Russell Westbrook hitting unrestricted free agency this offseason, Philadelphia has some intriguing options to consider -- whether fans would be thrilled by those possibilities is another matter altogether. The real question is: how would this affect VJ Edgecombe?
Moving VJ Edgecombe isn't a terrible theory
VJ Edgecombe’s rookie season in the NBA has been nothing short of magnificent. Not only is he averaging an impressive 16 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, but he has also become a dream for YouTube highlight creators thanks to his growing collection of spectacular dunks. Regardless of whether a coaching change occurs in Philadelphia, Edgecombe has already done enough to cement himself as a guaranteed starter.
That does not necessarily mean that Edgecombe's starting role will be from the same position. The rookie's versatility allows a coach to utilise him in several lineups and positions. If the 76ers do acquire a playmaking guard to partner with Maxey, Edgecombe's improved jump shots and natural athleticism would make him a prime candidate for a front-court role.
Standing at six feet and four inches, the 20-year-old may not hold all the components of a modern-day forward, but his vertical and ruthless mentality has made him a rebounding threat. Alongside a less mobile Joel Embiid, Edgecombe would take on much of the center’s physical workload, allowing him to focus on serving as the 76ers’ offensive talisman.
After a stunning rookie campaign, many Philadelphia fans may expect VJ Edgecombe to continue playing out of the backcourt as he continues his development; however, this may not be the case. Tyrese Maxey needs help to dictate the 76ers' offense, and for this to happen, the youthful superstar may have to play out a less familiar position.
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