Philadelphia could have a problem next season.
The Philadelphia 76ers are more than ready to put last season behind them, but they can’t escape all of their problems as next season looms.
Over the next few weeks, the 76ers are hoping their stars can get healthy for the start of next season. With Joel Embiid and Paul George recovering over the summer, it would be massive if both could suit up for the season opener.
Of course, last season, the 76ers had no injury luck to speak of, with those two and Tyrese Maxey missing large chunks of time. While that decimated Philadelphia’s hopes of a special season, it opened the door for some other players to break out.
Rookie Justin Edwards was one player who took full advantage of the situation last season. Playing in 44 games and starting 26, Edwards averaged 10.1 points per game and ended the year as one of Nick Nurse’s favorites on the wing.
Looking to carry that momentum into his second season, Edwards tried his luck in Summer League. However, as The Athletic’s John Hollinger wrote, Edwards had a less-than-ideal offseason exhibition.
“In six games, he shot 11 of 34 on 2s with two turnovers for every assist,” Hollinger wrote. “The eye test showed a lot of wild forays to the basket that ended badly. On a restocked Sixers team with multiple wing options, he’ll have to show much more to maintain a role.”
While it seems like a safe bet that George will miss some time next season, that won’t necessarily open any opportunities for Edwards like it did last season. With highly touted rookie VJ Edgecombe coming in, Jared McCain’s return from injury and Quentin Grimes’ expected return, Edwards might already be the odd man out in Philadelphia.
Category: Basketball
