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The Philadelphia 76ers have undergone a dramatic roster transformation this offseason, pulling off blockbuster acquisitions of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown that have instantly thrust them into championship contention. As a result, the team's starting lineup is expected to look significantly different next season.
VJ Edgecombe, who enjoyed a standout rookie campaign, finished third in the Rookie of the Year voting after posting averages of 16 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 35 minutes per game. He started all 75 regular-season contests he appeared in and added 11 more starts in the playoffs. However, despite starting both of Philadelphia's preseason games thus far, Edgecombe's days as a starter could be numbered.
Why a Bench Role Makes Sense
There are compelling reasons why Edgecombe might be better suited to lead the second unit. On paper, such a move would give the 76ers better balance, with Dean Wade likely stepping into the starting five if Edgecombe comes off the bench. It would also present the 21-year-old with a legitimate shot at winning the Sixth Man of the Year award.
Inserting Wade alongside Tyrese Maxey, LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid would provide the team with a versatile defender and three-point shooter who can thrive off the ball. Wade, a former Cleveland Cavaliers player, has connected on over 36% of his three-point attempts for his career (per Basketball Reference) and can guard multiple positions, allowing Philadelphia's stars to operate more freely.
Edgecombe's rookie season was impressive, as he emerged as the third option behind Embiid and Maxey, especially when injuries struck. The former Baylor standout posted a healthy usage rate of 20.1%, but that number is bound to plummet with Brown and James sharing ball-handling duties alongside Maxey and Embiid. In such a scenario, the 76ers risk having too many ball-dominant players on the floor simultaneously, and Wade could be the solution.
Edgecombe's Development and Team Fit
There is little doubt that playing alongside such high-caliber talent will aid Edgecombe's growth. He will not only have impressive mentors but will also experience competing on a championship-caliber roster for the first time. The fact that this opportunity has arrived in just his second season suggests that Rich Paul's assessment—that Edgecombe's game will flourish due to the presence of Brown and James—is likely accurate.
The soon-to-be sophomore would likely see more touches if he comes off the bench, freeing him to focus on his strengths: shooting and playmaking. Meanwhile, Wade can seamlessly fill a starting role, at least during the regular season. Furthermore, Edgecombe appears willing to make any sacrifice necessary to help Philadelphia become a legitimate title threat, especially with a bright future ahead.
Of course, the 76ers have multiple stars who are prone to missing games, particularly in the regular season, which could mean Edgecombe is asked to start more often than not. However, when all their offensively gifted players are healthy, Edgecombe would benefit from leading the bench unit, adding new dimensions to his game. Therefore, while he may start fewer games than the 75 he did last season, the arrangement could prove to be a win-win for both the team and the player.
Originally reported by yahoo.