The Philadelphia 76ers have been on a quest to fill the void left by the departure of playmaker James Harden. While Tyrese Maxey has stepped up, his true prowess lies in scoring. Enter VJ Edgecombe, who’s showing he can handle the playmaking reins when needed.
The Sixers are currently sitting at 28th in the NBA for assists, averaging just 24.5 per game. Without Joel Embiid, much of the scoring burden falls on Maxey, who thrives in isolation, slicing through defenses or launching from deep.
However, relying solely on this approach could lead to diminishing returns. The Sixers need a dynamic playmaker to elevate their game.
VJ Edgecombe has emerged as a promising primary ball handler. The rookie has been carving out his niche alongside Embiid, Maxey, and Paul George, showcasing incredible athleticism and improved shotmaking. Though initially pegged as the fourth offensive option, injuries to key players have thrust Edgecombe into a larger playmaking role, and he's thriving.
In his last four games, Edgecombe has averaged 6.3 assists, helping the Sixers secure three wins. His standout performance came in a 139-118 victory over the Sacramento Kings, where he tallied 38 points and 11 assists with just one turnover, proving his ability to handle increased responsibilities without sacrificing scoring efficiency.
As the team regains its full roster, Edgecombe may not retain such a prominent role. However, his development offers the Sixers a versatile option to diversify their offensive strategies in the future.