Ranking Members of 76ers' Starting Lineup by Importance

The starting lineup is set for the Philadelphia 76ers. While many people have their own interpretation of who’s the most valuable, each player is an asset that can’t be replaced. There is, however, an order of who is the most important to the team. Certain players may not appear where you think:

5. VJ Edgecombe

Edgecombe is still an important piece, but he’s not the most important. After coming off a rookie campaign that proved he has the scoring ability to hang with the pros, he’s still only a sophomore in the league and learning the ropes. Edgecombe is still key, as he is the dark horse in the scoring department.

4. Tyrese Maxey

Maxey has been a focal point of the offense and was once the floor general for the team. Now with LeBron James in the lineup, he no longer has control of the pace and is now solely focusing on scoring. It’s a big part of the offense, but now without having the ball in his hands, there will be fewer opportunities to make the clutch shot, putting him low on the list.

3. LeBron James

This one may come as the biggest surprise on this list. While James is the biggest star on this team, it doesn’t make him the most important. Don’t expect the team to rely on James to be the number one option. He will be the facilitator on the team, so it would be to get others involved. At 41 years old it’s not possible for him to be the guy, and it’ll be up to the top two to get the team going. 

2. Jaylen Brown

There’s a reason the 76ers traded for Brown. His offensive ability made him a target for the team. He’s a tough shot creator who can come through when it matters the most. Add in his defensive prowess and you’ve got a nasty combination for a forward. Look for him to assert himself as the star of the team. 

1. Joel Embiid

Embiid’s injury history puts him at the top of this list. The offense runs through the big man. He is also the anchor in the paint; without him the defensive game plan falls apart. When he is on the floor, all the attention is drawn to him, and it makes everything easier for everyone around him. If he is truly back healthy and potentially in MVP form, this team will be a cheat code with him at center.