With how well VJ Edgecombe looked elite in his first game of Summer League, creating quite the problem for the Philadelphia 76ers, Tyrese Maxey, and Jared McCain. If the Sixers want to roll out Edgecombe next to Maxey as the team’s starting backcourt, where would that leave McCain?
McCain had an incredible rookie season before an injury cut it short, but there was plenty of hope that he could be a starter in Philadelphia for years to come. But if Edgecombe continues to shine like he has been (very) early on in Summer League, questions could arise regarding who the Sixers want to roll with as their starters moving forward.
So, what’s the solution?
Should the 76ers start VJ Edgecombe or Jared McCain?
Edgecombe has only appeared in one Summer League game for the 76ers thus far, but he looked absolutely incredible, giving fans a ton of hope for how he could help the team moving forward.
In the 29:47 he played (second on the team behind only Justin Edwards), Edgecombe put up 28 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, one steal, and two blocks. He shot 13-of-27 from the field but just 1-of-7 from beyond the three-point arc.
Listed at just 6-foot-5, Edgecombe is a bit too small to play the small forward position, and since Paul George will be back in town, there likely won’t be room for him to play at that spot anyway.
That leaves two guard spots for three guys who could easily have a bid to be long-term starters for the Sixers: Maxey, McCain, and Edgecombe. Obviously, Maxey isn’t going to be giving up his starting spot anytime soon, so that leaves McCain and Edgecombe to fight for the starting shooting guard slot.
It’s an odd choice for the Sixers to have to make, and it basically boils down to one thing: Three-point shooting vs. defense.
At this point in their respective (very young) careers, McCain is a far better three-point shooter. Obviously, Edgecombe hasn’t appeared in an NBA game yet, but based on his collegiate career and McCain’s track record in the league and in college, he’s a much better shooter from long range.
That said, Edgecombe is a great perimeter defender and is a bit bigger than McCain, so he would give Philadelphia a different look next to Maxey.
Either player would be a great choice, and the other will likely make an elite sixth man, so the choice is up to Philly: McCain or Edgecombe in the starting lineup?