Sixers head coach Nick Nurse
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Sixers head coach Nick Nurse
VJ Edgecombe heads into his rookie season with the unenviable task of trying to crack the Philadelphia 76ers rotation. The third-overall draft pick will contend with Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain and Kyle Lowry for a spot in the Sixers’ backcourt rotation.
In a recent article for “The Sixer Sense,” Nicolas Kyle Pring suggested that the Sixers should consider starting Edgecombe next to Maxey. That move would put McCain as the primary scorer with the second unit, ensuring there’s some form of bucket-getter coming off the bench.
“The 76ers coaching staff should seriously contemplate starting VJ Edgecombe instead,” Kyle Pring wrote. “The third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft may be more unproven than McCain, but he will give the opening group a much better balance on both ends..Edgecombe is a dynamic three-level scorer who can supply whatever McCain produces on the scoring end just as well, if not better.”
Edgecombe is undoubtedly an elite-level prospect with potential All-Star upside. Thrusting him into the starting lineup isn’t necessarily the worst idea. Young players need consistent minutes in order to develop their game at the NBA level.
Daryl Morey knew the Sixers would need to find minutes for Edgecombe when he drafted him. And, while starting him may be the extreme choice, it could bring balance to the overall guard rotation.
Edgecombe Please To Be With Sixers
During a recent appearance on the “Podcast P with Paul George” podcast, Edgecombe shared his excitement in joining Philadelphia.
“I’m blessed to be in this situation,” Edgecombe said. “To be on a team that has a chance to actually win the championship. You know what I’m saying? Healthy, I feel like a healthy Sixers squad, we’re going to the chip. You feel me? That’s how I feel.”
Edgecombe will likely form part of an exciting young guard rotation in Philadelphia. Between the rookie, Maxey and McCain, Philadelphia has a backcourt trio that could anchor the franchise for the next 10 years or more. Therefore, it makes sense for the coaching staff to prioritize the overall talent development of each guard.
Paul George Sees Some Jimmy Butler in Edgecombe
In a July 10 episode of his “Podcast P” show, Paul George likened Edgecombe’s style of play to that of Jimmy Butler.
“He’s got this little patent, one-two spin turnaround jumper…I thought he had a great showing, like enough for Philly to shut him down the rest of the summer…He’s got the dog in him. Watching him, it was like watching a young Jimmy. Moves like Jimmy, kind of, has that mid-range tenacity; he’s kind of got a lot of the Jimmy likeness to him, so he’s definitely gonna be good.”
Being compared to a talent like Butler is high praise, especially when that comparison is coming before you’ve even suited up for an NBA game. George has been around the NBA for a long time. He’s seen plenty of rookies come and go.
Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that Edgecombe will have a bumpy road as he (hopefully) develops into a top-tier talent. Sixers fans must remain patient. But putting him in the starting unit could help ease some of the expectations on his shoulders. Whether that’s a path Nick Nurse is willing to take will remain to be seen. But, at the very least, it’s an option that should be explored.