V.J. Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey didn’t hold back against each other on Sunday.
The two guards may have developed a strong bond in a short period, but that didn’t prevent them from competing during the Philadelphia 76ers’ training camp. Edgecombe fought for position against Maxey in a one-on-one drill with a push that forced Maxey to travel a few feet unwillingly. This is the level of intensity that Edgecombe will need in his newfound role.
Edgecombe has unexpectedly emerged as the Philadelphia 76ers’ starting shooting guard ahead of the preseason with Quentin Grimes and Jared McCain holding out for their respective reasons. This unique opportunity could provide Edgecombe a gateway to strengthen his flaws as Philadelphia aims to blend its collection of veterans and youth.
Too little two-guards
The 76ers have one of the best guard rotations in the NBA on paper with Maxey, Edgecombe, Grimes, and McCain. However, fans must wait a while longer to see the vision come to fruition. Only Maxey and Edgecombe are forecasted to play in Philadelphia’s preseason-opener against the New York Knicks on October 2nd at 12 p.m. EST.
Grimes remains away from the 76ers amidst their polarizing contract negotiations. He did not travel with the team to Abu Dhabi for its upcoming slate of exhibitions versus the Knicks, Jake Fischer reported Sunday. His camp and Philadelphia are discussing how much money above Grimes’ $8.7 million qualifying offer it would take for him to waive his no-trade clause.
Nonetheless, the 76ers denied the request of Grimes’ management to push the qualifying offer past October 1st to give each party more time to negotiate a new contract.
Meanwhile, McCain also didn’t make the trip to Abu Dhabi, but for different reasons. He is expected to undergo surgery after suffering a torn UCL in his right thumb last week and has been ruled out for four to six weeks, Shams Charania of ESPN reported Friday.
What to expect from V.J.
Before recent developments with McCain and Grimes, Edgecombe’s role wasn’t set in stone. With an influx of guards, Edgecombe’s position could vary from that of a point guard to a miniature small forward if Philadelphia elected to play three-guard lineups. However, the third overall pick will likely remain a shooting guard under the current circumstances.
Edgecombe has the unique opportunity to play through his mistakes and endure inevitable growing pains ahead of schedule. It remains to be seen how many of the 76ers’ star trio of Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Paul George play in the preseason, which could dictate Edgecombe’s on-ball usage. Regardless, he should provide Philadelphia with electric defensive playmaking and off-ball movement.
Edgecombe has been one of the 76ers’ standouts from training camp as he received team-wide praise from Embiid to Nick Nurse. However, it was what Kelly Oubre Jr. said that perspectified Edgecombe’s growth.
“I think he has the best upside in his draft class, honestly,” Oubre said to Adam Aaronson of The Philly Voice after Philadelphia’s practice Sunday.