Six years after renting Jimmy Butler's services for a memorable 2018-19 season, the Philadelphia 76ers finally have a high-level two-way wing to replace him. VJ Edgecombe represents a rare opportunity to find reliable value on both ends of the floor from a perimeter position.
Much could be said about the 76ers' inability to properly replace Butler for six seasons, but praise is due for finally addressing a glaring flaw with Edgecombe.
Edgecombe has hit the ground running, thriving at Summer League and during the preseason. His most recent outing was perhaps his most enticing, as he dropped 25 points, six rebounds, four offensive boards, three assists, and five steals on 10-of-18 shooting.
It was a stellar showing strengthened by the context of the rookie's success: Edgecombe went off in his first career game alongside Joel Embiid.
If this is what Edgecombe is capable of when Embiid is on the court, then the 76ers are certain to make noise in the Eastern Conference. Patience will still be essential, both with Embiid's recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery and Edgecombe's inevitable learning curve as a first-year player.
If the 76ers play their cards right, however, the entire rotation could be elevated by the presence of a two-way wing who can provide immeasurable value on both ends of the floor.
76ers have finally replaced Jimmy Butler with VJ Edgecombe
Edgecombe shot up draft boards earlier this year after a freshman season that won't soon be forgotten. He played a starring role on the Baylor Bears, helping the team reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament with his brand of two-way brilliance.
Edgecombe showed the ability to contribute in every phase of the game, averaging 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.0 offensive boards, 3.2 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.6 three-point field goals made per game.
He posted 20-point games against three different ranked opponents, as well as 28 points and five assists against a BYU team that ultimately reached the Sweet 16. He also made late waves as a playmaker, so much so that some began to question if he could ultimately play point guard.
Regardless of what he was doing on the offensive end of the floor, Edgecombe never stopped impressing observers with his defensive tenacity.
Edgecombe has a rare and coveted willingness to match up against opposing teams' best scorers and take on the task of slowing them down. He's also a force in the passing lanes and one of the best rebounding wings in his class.
An effortlessly explosive athlete with a jump shot that needs improvement but is still a weapon he can sparingly utilize to his advantage, Edgecombe has all of the tools to excel as a two-way player.
How VJ Edgecombe can immediately factor into 76ers' plans
The obvious retort to Edgecombe being Butler's replacement is that the 76ers brought in six-time All-NBA and four-time All-Defense honoree Paul George to check that box. George is now 35 years of age, however, and has missed at least 26 games in three of the past four seasons.
George has also missed at least 18 games in five of the past six campaigns, thus implying the 76ers need to be prepared to play roughly a quarter of the season without him.
With Edgecombe, Philadelphia has a 20-year-old wing with the explosive athleticism and stamina to provide what may not be fair to expect of George. That not only simplifies the game for the 76ers star, but explains exactly how he fits into the 76ers' rotation.
Philadelphia has no shortage of offensive firepower, but while many will be looking for the ball to come their way, Edgecombe simply goes and finds it.
Edgecombe projects to be tasked with chasing shooters around screens and matching up against opposing teams' best guards and 3s. His offensive role will likely be defined as the season progresses, but for the time being, he can be expected to provide invaluable contributions as an offensive rebounder, defensive playmaker, and floor spacer who simply knows where to be and when to get there.
Ideally capable of providing value as a 3-and-D wing early on, expect Edgecombe to slowly develop into more of a shot creator as his value to the 76ers steadily becomes impossible to ignore.