The Philadelphia 76ers, with a 4-0 record, are off to one of the hottest starts in the league, and here is the surprise. It’s not because of Joel Embiid.
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The 2023 MVP has been on a minutes restriction, playing around 20 minutes a night. Instead, the Sixers have been powered by Tyrese Maxey and rookie V.J. Edgecomb, who have turned them into a fast-paced, confident unit.
Maxey’s looking like an All-Star already, running the offense with total command, slicing through defenses like it’s nothing. And Edgecomb? Well, the kid is everywhere.
So far, Maxey has averaged around 34 points, 4 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game, while Edgecombe is putting up 24.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. It’s wild to think this team looks sharper without leaning on Embiid every possession. But that’s what has been happening.
The crew at Road Trippin’ spoke about it in their latest episode. Richard Jefferson and Channing Frye were both impressed with how the Sixers are handling Embiid’s limited minutes and still thriving.
“The way they’re like, ‘Hey Joel Embiid. We only got you for about 20 minutes, which means about 20 points. We’re going to play your way for those 20, and other than that, we are flying,'” stated Frye.
That’s exactly what it looks like. The Sixers have found a way to balance Embiid’s dominance with the young players’ speed. When Joel sits, the game just opens up.
Jefferson claimed that head coach Nick Nurse might have finally found his winning combo. “Nick Nurse might not be the best coach for Joel Embiid. But for Tyrese and Edgecomb? Oh, bro,” he said.
When Allie Clifton chimed in to ask what RJ meant, he explained how Nurse has excelled in pushing his offense through guards.
“We’ve seen him have players that are wing players and dominate with elite wing players. Joel Embiid is a different style of player. He’s a center and slow-down,” added Jefferson.
You can’t argue with that. Embiid is a generational big, but Nurse’s style clearly suits guys who run and react.
“When he has really good guards and lets them go be his guards, that’s where I think he excels. Giving his guard flow systems,” added Jefferson.
That’s exactly what’s happening in Philly right now. Maxey has total freedom, and Edgecomb looks like he’s been in the league for years. It’s refreshing ball. Channing added, “He has more offensive and defensive versatility.”
And that’s the key difference this year. The Sixers aren’t relying on one guy to save them. They’re winning as a group. There’s more switching, more movement, more trust.
Early or not, Philly looks like a real problem for the other contenders in the East. Maxey’s confidence is through the roof, Edgecomb’s breakout is legit, and Nurse has this team believing.
If they keep this up, Embiid might not have to play 38 minutes a night anymore. And honestly, that might be the best thing that’s ever happened to the Sixers.
