Despite the Philadelphia 76ers being decimated by an injury curse, the franchise is still in with a viable chance to clinch an automatic playoff seeding -- thanks in large part to the rookie sensation, VJ Edgecombe. His ability to score from all three levels in the absence of his superstar teammates has been nothing short of phenomenal, and the Sixers cannot afford to reduce his offensive usage when the roster returns to full strength.
When the 'Big Three', made up of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George, suit up for Philadelphia, other players in the rotation become bystanders on the offensive end of the floor. If you are not a part of this star trio, you will be utilised as a chess piece, who must provide a platform for these stars to thrive. Setting screens and camping out on the perimeter becomes a player's main priority, and it is a role that Edgecombe executed to perfection in the earlier stages of the season.
With their offensive talismans all unavailable for selection, Nick Nurse entrusted the Baylor alum with the keys to the Sixers' offense, and it is a decision that has ultimately kept Philadelphia's postseason ambitions alive.
Edgecombe's role must not suffer when stars return
The easy path for the 76ers’ head coach would be to put the ball back in Maxey’s hands and let him orchestrate an offense built around himself, Embiid, and George. Nurse cannot allow the roster to reset to its default setting and focus on this tactic. Edgecombe has shown he is ready for larger offensive responsibilities; Philadelphia must embrace the rookie's development to create a more devastating attacking unit.
Great teams in the modern era have a variety of two-way players who boast a wide arsenal of attributes, enabling them to formulate a game plan that is impossible for defenses to contain. Continuing to dedicate plays that favour Edgecombe will not only allow him to stuff his stat sheet but will also create more room for Embiid, Maxey, and George to work their magic for the 76ers.
This would not be a case of rewarding good attendance and behaviour for the rookie; Edgecombe has earned his offensive stripes and is becoming a more dangerous prospect with each passing game. Over his last eight appearances, the athletic forward has averaged 20.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.6 assists.
Most impressively, Edgecombe has already proven that the strength of the 76ers' opponent will not limit his production. In Philadelphia's 123-103 defeat to the NBA's reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, he chalked up 35 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while shooting 7-15 (46.7%) from deep. Edgecombe was sublime.
Reducing VJ Edgecombe's offensive role when his star teammates return would be more than an injustice to the player; it would be an injustice to the entire team. The Philadelphia 76ers are a deadlier proposition when their young rookie has found his rhythm. Shoving him into a corner of the court to wait for a ball to be kicked out to him would be a criminal tactic. Edgecombe's usage must be maintained, or the Sixers will suffer the consequences.