The Philadelphia 76ers are looking to bounce back next season, and they might need a big year from their rookie.
Last season, the Sixers were among the worst teams in the league. After being projected as a contender entering the year, Joel Embiid and Paul George being sidelined for a large chunk of the season ended any title dreams.
With the team ending up in the lottery, Philadelphia lucked out and secured the No. 3 pick, taking Baylor’s V.J. Edgecombe. Considering the Sixers still have their core in place, Edgecombe will be coming into a situation that most top-three picks could only dream of.
Philadelphia needs to be healthy, but it has the talent to compete for a title in the wide-open East next season, and Edgecombe certainly believes that. In a recent ESPN interview at Summer League, Edgecombe laid out his goals, including a very ambitious one.
“I feel like we have a chance to go to the Finals, so I’m ready,” Edgecombe said. “[I want to make] First Team All-Rookie. A championship, I want to win a championship. Yeah, those are my main goals right there.”
It might be difficult for Philadelphia to be in title contention next season, but with Edgecombe joining a young core, including Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain, they might be able to achieve that goal in the near future. After an impressive Summer League performance, Edgecombe could be an important player for Philadelphia next season.
As the 76ers look to get things back on track, Edgecombe could be the key to Philadelphia reaching its goals.