[Paul George's 25-game suspension](https://thesixersense.com/jaw-dropping-paul-george-development-throws-wrench-in-76ers-season) by the NBA has rocked the stable foundations on which the Philadelphia 76ers were finally building. Sixers head coach Nick Nurse has been left with a gaping hole in his roster that provided production on both ends of the floor, but not all is lost. Recently, the struggling Jared McCain has shown an upturn in his woeful performances, which can provide Nurse the option of slotting him in at the two, while moving VJ Edgecombe into a forward role.
McCain has lacked confidence ever since returning from a torn left meniscus injury that ruled him out for the remainder of his rookie year. The killer instinct that made him such a devastating threat alongside the electric Tyrese Maxey had seemingly evaporated, and his showings were very much a shell of his former self.
[Despite an obvious solution](https://thesixersense.com/76ers-have-worrying-jared-mccain-problem-only-has-one-solution) of an extended stint with the Delaware Blue Coats -- Philadelphia's G-League affiliate -- Nick Nurse persisted in providing McCain with small stretches in the rotation in an attempt to find his scoring rhythm. In what may have seemed a ludicrous decision at the time, the 76ers guard is once again producing positive performances from the bench that show he can still be pivotal in the future of the franchise -- and it couldn't have happened at a more beneficial time.
Shifting Edgecombe into the frontcourt would be a smart move
------------------------------------------------------------
One thing that cannot be debated this year is that VJ Edgecombe has established himself as a future superstar of the NBA. Philadelphia's third overall selection in the 2025 draft has averaged 15.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, while also displaying a mature defensive mentality that has allowed him to limit the production of the league's most dangerous players.
It is not just his outrageous athletic ability that has enhanced his reputation as a defender, but his quick feet on the perimeter have been a major contributor to the 76ers' improved defensive performances. Much like Paul George, Edgecombe is not easily baited into leaving the ground and allowing his opponent to draw easy fouls.
Moving the rookie to a forward role will not be an issue; his versatile attributes make him the perfect replacement for George until his return later in the NBA calendar. The true problem lies in finding a partner for Maxey that will continue to elevate his scoring performance and not affect Philadelphia's ability to secure a place in the postseason.
Jared McCain's improved showing and his past chemistry with Maxey make him the perfect match. Over his last four appearances, the former Duke guard has averaged 12.3 points per game, while shooting around 57% from the floor. Most importantly, his capacity to carry the ball up the court will allow Maxey to devastate teams with his off-ball movement and bury countless shots from deep.
This is a move that will not be necessary from the start of every fixture and can be executed during fixtures, depending on the matchups that the opposition throws in the Sixers' direction.
Paul George's absence brings an abundance of issues for the Sixers on both sides of the ball. Replacing the veteran with a versatile player like VJ Edgecombe and rewarding Jared McCain with a role in the back court would be a ready-made solution that will not require a mammoth tactical reshuffle.