VJ Edgecombe always had the tools to be an incredible player in the NBA. His rookie season, though, was expected to be more developmental than immediately dominant. That hasn't been the case through two weeks, as the Sixers are already relying on Edgecombe to be a consistent scorer and a big part of their offensive plans.
Is that sustainable? Probably not, as Edgecombe will eventually hit the rookie wall that most first-year players run into at some point. That doesn't mean the Sixers should go away from Edgecombe, though; he is already contributing in enough non-scoring ways to be a positive player on the court. The plan of integrating him early and often is a smart one.
I also don't want this to sound like a knock on Edgecombe, especially after his phenomenal start. It's not that at all — I love watching this dude play. This is just a realistic look ahead for a rookie; even the "generational talents" run into some learning curves.
Thus, I'm merely wondering how the Sixers may want to adjust their offensive goals if Edgecombe's efficiency and volume dip. The easiest answer is the most obvious one, but it's also one fans won't have much confidence in — Paul George. A good PG solves (not to be dramatic) every problem the Sixers have.
Can Paul George be the No. 3 scorer in Philly?
If you forgot that Paul George is still a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, you're not alone. But George is still on this team, and will play eventually, and if he can be just a good No. 3 scorer and connector for the Sixers, it will ease a lot of the burden that is currently placed on Edgecombe's shoulders.
Maybe VJ Edgecombe is simply further along in his scoring development than we thought. That would be the best-case scenario for the Sixers, of course. But if defenses start to plan against him and he starts to score, the best shift would be letting Paul George (whenever he comes back) handle more on-ball duties while still allowing Edgecombe to be a sparkplug.
"Edgecombe is playing like the rookie of the year. He's not only playing like Rookie of the Year, though, he's playing like a seasoned vet, like an All-Star," Draymond Green said about the Sixers rookie, which will feel like the "worst guy you know just made a great point" meme to Sixers fans.
The VJ Edgecombe hype is real, and it's deserved. If he ever hits a bump in the road, the Sixers need to be ready to adjust instead of panic.