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The Forgotten Piece of Philadelphia’s New-Look Starting Five
The Philadelphia 76ers will have plenty of star power going into the 2026-27 campaign. LeBron James and Jaylen Brown have made Philadelphia one of the NBA’s most intriguing teams going into the upcoming season, while Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey continue to be at the core of the squad.
However, one person could subtly emerge as one of the most crucial components of Philadelphia’s championship quest among a starting five that includes four well-known NBA stars. VJ Edgecombe.
Edgecombe is in a very different position going into Year 2 after an outstanding debut campaign. The 21-year-old will be surrounded by seasoned scorers, playmakers, and champs rather than being expected to carry a large amount of the offense. Edgecombe is not necessary for Philadelphia to instantly become a superstar. He might become the player who makes an already deadly starting lineup even more difficult to stop if he makes another big advancement.
Building off on an Impressive Rookie Season
In the 2025 NBA Draft, Edgecombe quickly proved why Philadelphia had chosen him with the third overall pick. During his debut season, the former Baylor guard averaged 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, solidifying his position as a key member of the Sixers’ youthful core.
Alongside Maxey and Embiid, his quickness, scoring prowess, and excitement provided Philadelphia with another exciting option. When the pressure rose, there were also positive indications. In Philadelphia’s May 2 playoff victory over the Boston Celtics, Edgecombe scored 23 points while making 5 of 11 three-pointers. Such performances provided a preview of his future self.
Another challenge is about to arise. Edgecombe is no longer just a talented rookie learning how to play in the NBA. The roster surrounding him is much better, expectations are higher, and Philadelphia has set itself up to contend for a title right away. Thus, one of the main narratives of the Sixers’ season might be his progress.
A Different Role Surrounded by Stars
Edgecombe’s duties will unavoidably shift with the advent of James and Brown. In the end, that could be to his advantage.
Edgecombe shouldn’t frequently be required to generate offense by himself for Philadelphia. Embiid’s presence near the paint, Maxey’s quickness and scoring prowess, Brown’s versatility as an attacker, and James’ playmaking will all be factors that defenses must take into consideration.
As a result, Edgecombe might have more opportunities than he had in his debut campaign. Instead of constantly needing to create challenging shots, he could target defenses that are already struggling. His ability to cut toward the hoop, run in transition, and make open three-pointers may become more crucial aspects of his game.
James might be particularly helpful in that process. James is still a top-tier facilitator at this point in his career. Without needing the rookie guard to control the ball, his ability to analyze defenses and locate teammates could open doors for Edgecombe. VJ Edgecombe’s ability to contribute without requiring every possession to be built around him could prove to be one of his biggest assets on a team full of players used to having the ball in their hands.
His Development Is Already Continuing
Some positive signs of Edgecombe’s preparations for his second NBA season have emerged during the offseason. Edgecombe has recently shown off a number of aspects of his offensive game during offseason runs led by Sixers assistant coach Rico Hines.
In recent video, Edgecombe was shown making shots off the dribble, attacking the basket with his athleticism, and making catch-and-shoot three-pointers. The areas Edgecombe seems to be focusing on are significant, but offseason training film should never be confused with NBA competition.
There are already several players in Philadelphia who can generate offense. Edgecombe would present another challenge to opposing defenders if he improved as an outside shooter and continued to hone his closeout attack skills.
The Other End Could Be Just as Important
The number of points Edgecombe scores won’t be the only factor that determines his worth. With so much attacking potential in Philadelphia’s new starting lineup, Edgecombe might have an equally big defensive impact.
Brown provides the Sixers with a skilled two-way wing, but Embiid will once again be heavily responsible for guarding the interior, and James is starting his 24th NBA season. Nick Nurse has an additional option to defend opposing guards and wings because to Edgecombe’s athleticism.
Philadelphia won’t need him to score 20 or 25 points every nite to have an impact on games if he can become a dependable perimeter defender and keep getting better offensively. Those contributions could be crucial for a club that has realistic hopes of winning a title.
Philadelphia Doesn’t Need Another Superstar Right Now
The fact that Philadelphia does not require Edgecombe to instantly develop into the player the team eventually believes he will be is perhaps the most intriguing aspect of his second season. The roster already has a sufficient amount of established talent.
Embiid has been named MVP. James is the NBA’s all-time top scorer and a four-time champion. Brown has been named MVP of the Finals and won an NBA championship. Maxey has grown into one of the best guards in the league. Edgecombe can just keep growing.
The pressure that typically surrounds a former top-three draft pick starting his second season is lessened as a result. Edgecombe can play significant minutes for a title contender while learning among some of the most accomplished basketball players, rather than being asked to save a rebuilding club or become its main scoring option. Young players rarely get the chance.
The X-Factor in Philadelphia’s Championship Pursuit
It makes sense that the majority of the Sixers’ attention this season will be directed elsewhere. The main topics of discussion will be Embiid’s health, James’ age, Brown’s move from Boston, and Nurse’s handling of so many gifted players.
Edgecombe has the potential to subtly become the factor that pushes Philadelphia’s ceiling even higher. When healthy, the Sixers already know what their established stars are capable of. They are still unsure of Edgecombe’s potential.
The Sixers might have much more than just another supporting starter if his outside shooting becomes better, his defense gets stronger, and he learns how to play well with Philadelphia’s studs. In the midst of a championship run, they might have a rising star. And VJ Edgecombe might end up being the X-factor Philadelphia needs on one of the NBA’s most talented rosters.
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Sports journalism student at the University of Oregon covering the Philadelphia 76ers with passion and perspective.
Categorized:News Sixers
