Is it time for Philly to turn the page?
Is it time for Philly to turn the page?
Yahoo Sports senior NBA analyst Kevin O'Connor, senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill and college hoops analyst King McClure discuss the 76ers' selection of VJ Edgecombe in the 2025 NBA draft and if the team's young pieces are enough to solidify a rotation without Joel Embiid or Paul George. Hear the full conversation on 'The Kevin O'Connor Show' and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen.
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Video Transcript
Remove Joel and B from the equation.
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Let's just say MB is never healthy again, and like it's worst case scenario for the Sixers when it comes to their contention hopes.
Let's say Paul George continues to be a better podcaster than basketball player.
And like it's just not there anymore.
VJ Edgecombe, Tyrese Maxy, Jared McCain is your young.
A lot of shooters fast.
Isn't that kind of promising, those three?
I like that.
Tyrese Maxy is great, Dallas kid.
You know, I love that.
Jerry McCain Dallas.
Yeah, Tyrese Maxi from Dallas.
He, he don't got the shag.
Listen, you in this jack is crazy.
But Jerry McCain can play really, really smart guard, can play well in a pick and roll, good pace.
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And then you add VJ Edgecombe, electrifying defender can be a two-way player.
I like the backcourt.
I think it's very promising.
Don't forget about my man is Jared Butler if he doesn't get traded, which I don't know, he might, but he can play too.
Did they do something different this time?
Did the Philadelphia 76ers, by not taking Ace Bailey, did they, did that signal a philosophical change?
Because if any team is going to pick a player who says, no, I'm not playing for you, it's the 76ers.
Are they learning something?
Or is this just a temporary stay of execution given the fact that they got Paul George?
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I, I think it shows two different things.
I think it shows they're prioritizing both the short term and the long term, and then they're not going to take a risk on a guy that doesn't help you maximize your chances today.
I think they got it, they have no choice but to gamble that Joel LeB stays healthy and that Paul George has a bounce back year.
They have to hope for the promising upside of what could be.
Like they, they banked on Paul George being their free agent acquisition.
It worked out and then it didn't work out during the season, but maybe this year will be different.
Like it's just possible.
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And so I think VJ Edgecombe helps as a role player in the short term, where all those concerns you're talking about long term don't matter, but in the long term, maybe he ends up figuring it out as a shot creator and he plays more like that long term.
So I like to pick for For Maury and the Sixers there at 3 because it checks both those short-term and long-term boxes.
Um, will it get them over the top?
That depends on and beat and Paul George and you're shaking your head like it's just not gonna and like that's totally fair.
But maybe 1 year, maybe 1 year stars aligned, is that what you're saying?
You believe in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny too, Kevin?
I get some young listeners.
Of course I do.
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