Nick Nurse's second season as the Philadelphia 76ers' head coach was far from a fairytale storyline. The franchise was plagued with an onslaught of injury issues, which heavily contributed to the woeful 24-58 regular-season record.
However, even when he had a full-strength roster at his disposal, Nurse struggled to find the perfect formula that would resemble a team capable of challenging at the summit of the Eastern Conference, like many experts had predicted before the season commenced.
One prominent concern was the partnership of Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain in the backcourt. The offensive ability was not in question; both Maxey and McCain displayed glimpses of a formidable pairing. Nevertheless, as a smaller duo, rebounding was perceived as something that could negatively impact the Sixers -- a problem that could alter Nurse's starting five selection this year.
V.J. Edgecombe could be the perfect solution
Despite being an inexperienced option for Philadelphia's third-year head coach, V.J. Edgecombe offers distinct attributes that give him a desirable edge in partnering with Maxey on the opening day of the NBA season.
Standing at around six feet and four inches -- which is only one inch taller than his Sixers colleague, McCain -- Edgecombe exhibited impressive rebounding ability during his NCAA days with the Baylor Bears. The 20-year-old averaged 5.1 rebounds over 33 games last year (2.7 per game more than McCain) -- albeit in an inferior and less physical league.
Philadelphia's brightest moments during the previous campaign were when Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain featured in the rotation together, with the rookie alleviating the mounting offensive responsibility that was placed on the Kentucky graduates' shoulders.
Assuming the 76ers are serious about mounting a sensational assault on the Eastern Conference, they must establish a starting lineup that can compete with a variety of matchups throughout the NBA.
With this being the case, Philadelphia's long-standing pursuit of one particular free agent must not fail.
Quentin Grimes' acquisition is essential for the 76ers to thrive
The Quentin Grimes saga has raged on for what feels like an eternity in the eyes of the Sixers fanbase. Due to the lack of rebounding ability in the guard position, Nurse will be desperate for the former Dallas Mavericks man to pledge his future to the 'City of Brotherly Love'.
Grimes presented himself as more than just a deadly sharpshooter during his short stint with the 76ers last season. He showcased attributes that would make him a perfect partner to the electric Maxey, especially in the battle of the boards.
After landing in Philadelphia, the 25-year-old averaged 5.2 rebounds per game and provided his teammates with a solid foundation to build a quick transition offense, in which Maxey would blossom.
Philadelphia 76ers supporters have had to endure their beloved team giving up an endless amount of second-chance points throughout Nick Nurse's tenure due to a lack of dominance in rebounding. Now, the head coach has an opportunity to address this lingering problem -- or suffer a set of severe consequences.