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VJ Edgecombe Refuses To Become A ‘Cancer’ For 76ers Over Lack of Shot Attempts
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- VJ Edgecombe Refuses To Become A ‘Cancer’ For 76ers Over Lack of Shot Attempts
Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
VJ Edgecombe is clearly putting the Philadelphia 76ers ' championship hopes ahead of his shot count. After the arrivals of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown pushed him further down the offensive hierarchy, the second-year guard has openly accepted a smaller scoring role rather than allowing frustration to disrupt a team sitting on top of the Eastern Conference with a 7-1 record.
Speaking after the Sixers' 126-107 victory over the Chicago Bulls , Edgecombe explained why his individual opportunities are secondary compared to the team's success.
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"I don't get antsy or impatient or anything. We're 7-1, and that's the most important thing. Tonight, I was able to get going a little bit, but once you just find that joy out there, just playing basketball, I was just kind of hard on myself early because I was missing shots I make, and that's not on nobody else but me."
"It's fun when you're winning, you know. I don't want to be a cancer because I ain't getting the shots that I want to get, you know. I'm still learning."
This is a pretty encouraging response from a young player who had every reason to expect a lot more responsibility after a great rookie season.
Edgecombe averaged 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists last season, shooting 43.8% from the field and 35.4% from three-point range. He attempted 13.7 shots per game, including 5.3 threes.
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This season, those attempts have dropped to 11.3 overall and 5.0 from beyond the arc. He is averaging 12.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists while shooting 44.3% from the field and 34.3% from three-point range.
The scoring decline is very much understandable. With Tyrese Maxey , Joel Embiid , Jaylen Brown , and LeBron James sharing the floor, Edgecombe is often the Sixers' fifth option. But being the fifth option does not mean he is an afterthought, especially when opponents devote so much attention to everyone around him.
His performance against the Bulls clearly illustrated that. Edgecombe made his first seven field goal attempts in the opening half and finished with 21 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, and 1 block. He also delivered important late baskets against the New York Knicks and the Charlotte Hornets .
The Sixers clearly have room for him to influence winning basketball, even when he is not controlling the offense. Developing as a cutter is another smart adjustment by Edgecombe, and that willingness to create space for teammates matters when the Sixers' offense remains a work in progress. Their defense already ranks among the league's top three, and Edgecombe's rebounding prowess provides another contribution beyond scoring.
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There will also be nights when injuries or veteran rest move him higher in the pecking order. Staying engaged now will leave him better prepared for those chances.
The Sixers should still make his development a high priority. Winning and helping Edgecombe grow can happen together. His attitude gives them an excellent starting point: a talented young guard determined to contribute without making every possession about himself.
