The Philadelphia 76ers drafted a special talent in VJ Edgecombe, but it instantly creates a playing time problem in the backcourt. Tyrese Maxey is an All-Star and will play 35 per game. Jared McCain looked special in his limited run last season, and Quentin Grimes was outstanding after being acquired via trade. Assuming Grimes re-signs, that is four talented guards who all expect significant minutes. Head coach Nick Nurse has a headache on his hands.
Maxey is an unquestioned starter, and Edgecombe should immediately join him. The third overall pick has All-Star upside. The Sixers shouldn’t waste one second of his development. Put him in the lineup and let him play 30 minutes every night. The rookie needs to adjust his jumper to NBA range and learn the ins and outs of guarding the best players. That is the key to maximizing his potential.
If Maxey and Edgecombe are combining for 65 minutes in the backcourt each night, where does that leave McCain and Grimes? Nurse will use three-guard looks, especially with the team’s lack of depth at the four. It will get the best players on the floor, but the Sixers may have significant problems in those units.
VJ Edgecombe creates lineup issues for the 76ers