Though many questioned the Philadelphia 76ers ending the season, the early returns have been encouraging. Rookie V.J. Edgecombe has seemingly jumped out to an early Rookie of the 12 months lead after dropping 34 factors in his first common season recreation.
Tyrese Maxey & VJ Edgecombe transferring DANGEROUS in Philly 😧
This younger duo continues its scorching begin to the season 🔥 pic.twitter.com/XkYIuyn4as
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 28, 2025
If he can present instant influence, then the Sixers may offset the obvious decline of former MVP Joel Embiid. Embiid being wholesome to start out the 12 months is a nice shock contemplating he had an 8-month hole with out taking part in an precise recreation.
Reporter: “The staff is taking part in higher whenever you’re not taking part in which was an enormous drawback final 12 months clearly.”
Joel Embiid: “It has been 12 years. I am going to take it.”
(h/t @MrBuckBuckNBA)pic.twitter.com/VGlWlyd434
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 26, 2025
After Joel Embiid went 1-for-9 and had simply 4 factors in Wednesday’s season-opening win in Boston, Embiid already has hit a few 3-pointers – and has 9 factors – in his first stint on the ground tonight towards Charlotte.
Embiid is as soon as once more on a roughly 20 minute restrict.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) October 25, 2025
Even so, he hasn’t been practically as impactful, with him being much less of a focus and in addition on a minutes restriction to date, averaging simply 12 factors and 4 rebounds per recreation. Therein lies the problem. Having a wholesome Embiid is actually higher than not having him in any respect. Nonetheless, for the Sixers to be true contenders, they may want him to play at an All-Star degree, and he has but to take action.
In fact, the Sixers are seemingly being cautious along with his well being in hopes that he can ramp up and play greater minutes over the course of the season and, particularly, the playoffs.
The Philadelphia 76ers are not Joel Embiid’s staff
The Sixers relying much less on Embiid within the brief time period could also be a foul factor, however they don’t seem to be simply targeted on the brief time period. Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, and Edgecombe are all 24 years previous and below, and the Sixers ought to prioritize them.
In spite of everything, these three gamers might be on the Sixers after Embiid’s time with the staff is over. They might additionally assist to offset any decline in manufacturing that Embiid suffers this season. The hope is that the Sixers will quickly be capable of get to a degree the place they’ll survive with out Embiid, although they may nonetheless want him to thrive this season.
With a 3-1 file to date this season, the early returns have been encouraging. If the Sixers can hold Embiid comparatively wholesome, reorient the offense round Maxey, develop Edcombe and McCain, and make the playoffs, then that may be an extremely profitable season.
Higher nonetheless, with the wide-open state of the Jap Convention, the Sixers may lastly have an opportunity at a deep playoff run.
Finally, the Sixers focusing much less on Embiid and extra on their younger core may repay in the long term whereas probably paying large dividends this season. However provided that they’re able to hold Embiid wholesome all through the common season and the playoffs.
