76ers' Most Dangerous Duo Might Be Getting Even Better

The Philadelphia 76ers are already looking like a huge problem in the Eastern Conference.

The huge reason for that is the play at the guard position. Tyrese Maxey has been lights out, and he has shown that he poses the biggest threat to any team they face. You throw in VJ Edgecombe, who is embracing his new role as the guy who does a little of everything, and you have a recipe for one of the top guard duos in the NBA. 

Through the first two games, Maxey has scored 60 points, while Edgecombe has done all of the little things, like rebounding and taking on some of the tougher assignments on the defensive end. Maxey has also made his presence felt defensively, as he was part of a run that included forcing back-to-back turnovers as the team scratched and clawed their way back from a 24-point halftime deficit. In fact, Edgecombe himself has given Maxey credit for his defensive performance against the Cavaliers, as he also took on the challenge of guarding James Harden. 

Harden and Maxey got into it midway through the third quarter, which involved some pushing and shoving, to which Edgecombe intervened and helped Maxey avoid a potential technical. This wasn’t the first time Edgecombe came to the defense of Maxey by keeping him calm during a heated scuffle. Edgecombe and Maxey have built quite the friendship, as they know the team needs them both to be successful.

This goes back to when Maxey told reporters he would do everything he could to make sure Edgecombe is involved in the offense and not be forgotten. Well, it looks like Edgecombe is reciprocating the sentiment by making sure his veteran is available for this team.

Edgecombe had a very lackluster showing in the first game, scoring only nine points, but he rebounded well, and that’s just as important as scoring. In the second matchup he began learning how he could best help the team by constantly moving. Edgecombe was effective cutting to the basket, and it allowed for him to get more involved in the offense. Once he made the adjustment, it opened up the floor for everyone else, and the spacing became very apparent. 

 As the 76ers continue to navigate through their star-studded lineup, it seems that the team is beginning to function well when all five stars are on the floor.  With it still being early in the season, the two guards will continue to mesh, and that will create a more chaotic backcourt than anyone could imagine.