VJ Edgecombe is preparing for a very different second NBA season, but the 76ers guard isn’t worried about his numbers taking a hit.
After averaging 16 points per game and finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting, Edgecombe could see fewer opportunities following Philadelphia’s additions of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown. For the 20-year-old, however, winning takes priority over an expanded role.
“I just want to win. I’m going to still be aggressive, still be myself,” Edgecombe said, according to Chris Hine of The Philadelphia Inquirer. “If that comes with less shots or more shots, who knows. I don’t know how the course of the game is going to go. I’m just excited to play alongside my teammates. I think we have a chance to do something really special.”
The Sixers now have no shortage of offensive options, with James and Brown joining a group already featuring Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Edgecombe.
Rather than worrying about where he fits into that hierarchy, Edgecombe is looking at the opportunity to learn from some of the NBA’s biggest names, including the player he grew up idolizing.
“I’m totally excited,” he added. “It’s such a blessing. I’m going into year two playing alongside my favorite player ever (LeBron)… That’s the main thing for me, just learning, getting to know them. They’re all great persons. Down to earth, not acting super big-time like they are, but they’re really a bunch of humble men. I’m just glad to be around them.”
Exactly what Edgecombe’s role looks like remains to be seen.
Head coach Nick Nurse will have plenty to figure out as he works James and Brown into a rotation already built around Embiid and Maxey. Edgecombe could also spend more time alongside Philadelphia’s second unit, potentially giving him more opportunities to handle the ball when some of the team’s stars are resting.
His raw numbers may ultimately drop from his rookie season, but Edgecombe has made it clear that isn’t his main concern.
After an impressive first year, he’s willing to sacrifice touches if it gives Philadelphia a better chance of making a serious championship run.
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