October 22nd may have been defined by Victor Wembanyama, but he wasn’t the only player who got fans out of their seats. The Philadelphia 76ers beat the Boston Celtics, 117-116, to start their season, headlined by VJ Edgecombe.
In his NBA debut, Edgecombe looked like an All-Star talent, finishing with 37 efficient points to go with seven rebounds. Tyrese Maxey led the way for the 76ers with 40 of his own.
With excellent guard play, Joel Embiid’s four-point struggle was largely overshadowed. With Edgecombe and Maxey as elite players, if Embiid can be at even half strength, the 76ers will be a problem for the league.
However, with Embiid’s health always a concern, maybe it’s time for the Sixers to make a drastic move.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 17: VJ Edgecombe #77 talks to Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers during a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 17, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Is VJ Edgecombe the 76ers’ Franchise Player?
Edceombe authored the best NBA debut in living memory. He is an explosive athlete who can impact winning on both ends of the floor, and he’s clearly already taken the “next step” that often evades players until their third year.
“Him in a backcourt with Maxey, I said, wait a minute here,” said Stephen A. Smith on ESPN. “I didn’t see this before. I didn’t see this at Baylor. What the hell is this? I loved what I saw last night.”
Picked third overall, Edgecombe was expected to be an impact player, but take a back seat behind Maxey, Embiid, Paul George, and Jared McCain. Not only did he thrive, but he outplayed those All-NBA players.
Perhaps it was enough to cement himself as the franchise cornerstone. For years, the Sixers have run their offense through Embiid. The center is mobile for a big, but with Edgecome and Maxey ready to lead the way, Philadelphia can reinvent itself.
“Those two, you just get them up the floor,” added Vincent Goodwill. “And it enables you to not feel like you have to wait on him and Paul George.”
If Embiid is no longer the centerpiece, what direction should the Sixers take?
How to Move on From Joel Embiid as 76ers’ Centerpiece?
Against the Celtics, Embiid did not look like an All-Star. He barely looked like an NBA player. However, he is under contract through the 2028-29 season.
In short, Philadelphia can’t really move on from him.
With his massive salary, the Sixers don’t have many options. He eats up so much of the salary cap, the team might as well treat him like the centerpiece, even if he isn’t, hoping that he can return to form.
Had Edgecombe not arrived as early as he did, that may have been a sound strategy. However, now the Sixers have the core of a winning team on their hands. Is Embiid a part of their future? That might be up to him and his doctors.
The little remaining patience left for him is quickly growing thin.
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