V.J. Edgecombe makes bold prediction about Philadelphia 76ers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
When it comes to the Philadelphia 76ers’ chances of making a run in the Eastern Conference after the All-Star break, rookie V.J. Edgecombe is pretty confident.
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In fact, Edgecombe thinks the Sixers could be the top team in the conference – if they can remain healthy, which is never a guarantee, especially when it comes to the Sixers.
“If we’re totally healthy I think we’re gonna be the team to beat coming out of the East, if you ask me,” Edgecombe said during an appearance on NBA TV. “[It’s] just the faith I have in my guys and my coaches and everyone. So I think we got a chance to make a far push, for sure.”
The Sixers currently sit sixth in the Eastern Conference with a record of 30-24. While they have flashed some legitimate team potential at times, their season has been marred by inconsistency – in terms of effort, production and availability.
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Star center Joel Embiid has played just 31 games so far this season and Paul George has played in only 27 games. George won’t be adding to that total any time soon either, as he’s currently in the midst of a 25-game suspension that will stretch until late March.
The Sixers did nothing to improve at the trade deadline, so there are no reinforcements on the way. So, they basically have to hope that the current roster can keep pace in the East while they try to get to the postseason with a healthy Embiid.
While the current campaign has been a bit up-and-down for Philadelphia, Edgecombe’s promising play as a rookie has been a major source of excitement for both the team and fans alike.
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In 50 games (all starts), Edgecombe has posted averages of 14.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.5 steals per performance.
Beyond just the raw numbers, Edgecombe has also consistently displayed poise well beyond his years and he’s already demonstrated a knack for knocking down clutch shots. He has the chops to turn into a dynamic two-way star for the Sixers.
If he can reach that potential, it will certainly help Philadelphia’s chances of a deep playoff run, this year and in the future.
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