Sixers Young Core Are the Future of the Franchise
The Sixers franchise, just like every other team, has its fair share of ups and downs. Then again, the downs in Philly feel more like a standard regarding injuries. Examples include former number one pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Markelle Fultz, who had a devastating shoulder injury in his rookie campaign. Rookie of the Year Candidate, Jared McCain, suffered a torn meniscus in his rookie season. Even the number three pick, VJ Edgecombe, dealt with a left thumb injury during the NBA Summer League. However, one must be optimistic about the future, especially when you look at the young core of the Sixers franchise.
How can you not salivate about the future when you have a complete starting five that can make some noise? I’m talking McCain at point, Edgecombe at the two, Justin Edwards on the wing, Johni Broome at the four, and Adem Bona guarding the paint. When Tyrese Maxey missed six games in November due to an injury, it was McCain who was given a boost in minutes. McCain averaged around 25 points and four assists per game in those six games. In fact, McCain’s stats as a starter in the last three games, before Maxey came back, jumped to 28 points and six assists per game.
Next, there’s the gung-ho Bona, who was swatting shots like the late, great Dikembe Mutombo. He had 10 games of three blocks or more, making him the sixth Sixers rookie to record at least double-figure games with three blocks or more. Defense, paint scoring, and rebounding are his specialties at the moment. Although there is room for improvement in when to go for the block, as he was hit with a few too many goaltending calls.
At the time, nobody expected an undrafted wing on a two-way deal to become an immediate threat when he took the floor. He didn’t really make an impact until January hit and roster moves needed to be made. A decision to play the rookie Edwards was made, and he did what he had to do. Edwards showed off his smooth left-handed shot, his effective rebounding, and defensive presence with steals and blocks.
The two young rookies in Edgecombe and Broome had only a small taste of NBA ball, as they performed in the Summer League. Both have problems with efficiency, but that’s to be expected for rookies. Edgecombe has an all-around game where he can score, rebound, pass, steal, and surprisingly block shots. As for the second-rounder, Broome showed his ability to play the four and secure rebounds. In fact, when both Bona and Broome played together, they swarmed the court for boards. An example is the Wizards game on July 15th, when Broome had 10 and Bona had eight rebounds.
To paint a picture, McCain will direct the offense as the lead ball-handler. Edgecombe is the two-way combo guard that can do a bit of everything. Edwards is the wing player who can alleviate the offensive burdens from the two guards. Broome is the power forward who can not only help secure rebounds, but also help Bona guard the paint. As for Bona, he will play the five that would make scorers reluctant to test him in the paint. This can be a scary starting five if given the chance to perform.
