The Philadelphia 76ers somehow managed to turn in quite the run as of late despite their lack of manpower, but that is no longer the case. Joel Embiid and Paul George finally returned to action against the Bulls, which led to a 157-137 pounding of their visitors to register their 40th win of the season. Now, they are at seventh place in the East, with only two losses separating them from No. 5.
Barring anything drastic, the 76ers should be well on their way to clinching a playoff spot. At full, strength, no team currently in the play-in range can take them out. However, suffice to say that they will not be favored in any playoff series this year given their footing, though it bears noting that they arguably have the biggest X-factor in the playoffs — VJ Edgecombe.
With Tyrese Maxey still sidelined, the standout rookie has gotten even more reps at running the offense and playing the role of nominal alpha for the time being. Of course, that changes to a degree now, but this dynamic yields a problem for the team, albeit a positive one. Giving Edgecombe such prominent clout on the scoring attack is ideal, but his more tenured and battle-tested teammtaes will — and should — want it more.
That being said, that is actually a good thing for this bunch.
The 76ers have a good problem in the playoffs with VJ Edgecombe
Edgecombe will undoubtedly take a backseat once Maxey makes his return from his finger injury, and his spot in the pecking order will get pushed aside from the top with Embiid and George back in action. That suface-level clash, however, will be one that could pay huge dividends come playoff time.
Players of his ilk often do well against playoff competition where physicality gets cranked up. His mix of three-level scoring and natural athleticism gives him a lofty floor when defenses start becoming more focused and schematic.
Of course, his more experienced teammates will get more attention on the defensive end. Those guys are used to playing in the postseason and facing laser-focused defenders. That is where Edgecombe could come in and make his impact.
Teams that share the rock tend to fare better in the playoffs, and while the 76ers are not exactly a team which you think of when it comes to passing the rock, they get to spread the wealth by simply having numerous players who can go get a bucket on their own. Edgecombe is one of those players for this squad, and that is largely the reason why this team cannot just be brushed off that easily.
The 76ers’ big three will get their numbers, but even if they don’t, VJ Edgecombe will be there playing as a cheatcode support. He might take some time to get acclimated to the playoff atmosphere, but once he settles in, look out. Don’t count Philly out just yet.