The Philadelphia 76ers did not have a very eventful trip abroad for their first two preseason games, but only if we are basing it on the final scores. The good guys dropped both of their matches against one of their biggest rivals in the East in the Knicks, but of course, it is not wise to put too much stock on those L’s.
With Philly missing most of their key players, the Knicks just had their way in both outings. New York had its full slate of players expected to be in their rotation, and the 76ers simply never stood a chance to log any dubs therein, not that it mattered, of course.
Having said that, there are definitely some things the 76ers can take away from their first two contests. Sure, there are negative ones, such as their glib outlooks when it comes to playmaking and three-point shooting, but there are likewise positive ones, particularly the way rookie guard VJ Edgecombe played freely and turned heads doing so.
No, Edgecombe did not have an otherwordly performance in Abu Dhabi in either game. He did not shoot the ball particularly well. However, the 76ers should most certainlyt love what they are seeing from their upstart rookie, who has now been drawing praises from around the league due to his sheer star potential.
Brian Windhorst dishes high praise to 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe
ESPN insider Brian Windhorst, in a recent episode of The Hoop Collective podcast, took note of Edgecombe’s showings thus far, stating on record that he will be generating a lot of highlight plays in his rookie year, and that he will be interesting to watch as an electric piece for the 76ers.
True enough, Edgecombe is probably the most athletic player the 76ers have, which is a very welcome addition and change-of-pace to their other guards whose play styles resonate more with “finesse”.
But more importantly, Edgecombe’s super bounce will allow him to contribute greatly to other pressing areas for the 76ers. He already appear to be an above-average rebounder for his size, and if he can leverage his athleticism well, that should open up his court vision and new passing angles as a budding playmaker, which he himself said was a point of emphasis for him.
At this rate, with the 76ers expected to continue handing him a big role right from the get-go, the door is open for VJ Edgecombe to accelerate his growth as a star while also being an impactful player for the team at the present.