76ers' VJ Edgecombe discusses handling double teams for the first time
· Yahoo Sports
PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers are in a tough spot at the moment with the roster as there are a number of players sidelined due to injury. That means more responsibility is placed upon rookie VJ Edgecombe to give more on the offensive end of the floor.
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With guys like Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid sidelined, teams are beginning to double-team Edgecombe and force the ball out of his hands. It started in Saturday's win over the Brooklyn Nets and has continued a bit since--although the Portland Trail Blazers didn't send many on Sunday.
"I’ll be honest, I gotta go watch film, because I’ve never been doubled in my life, for real that I can remember," Edgecombe laughed. "So, I gotta go watch film to be honest. I gotta go watch some film, see how I’m able to move out there because Tyrese is still gonna be out for a minute. Jo’s still gonna be out, I don’t know how long he’s gonna be out for, but yeah. I gotta be able to maneuver with two defenders around me and make plays."
As time moves on, Edgecombe will continue to improve in this area of the game. He had a tough night in Tuesday's loss to the Denver Nuggets, but he has such a high IQ and just wants to focus on making sure Philadelphia is in the best position to succeed. He isn't going to force anything.
"I just try to make the right play," he added. "I never try to make the home run pass. I just try to make the right pass that creates advantages for my teammates, but I gotta be more aggressive out of the double teams. So, I’m gonna watch it and see how I can be better and just ask my coaches, too. And teammates."
Maxey was once a young player trying to fight through the double teams in the past. He knows all about the challenges that come with being at the top of a scouting report. Therefore, Edgecombe is certainly going to use his star teammate in an effort to get some advice out on the floor.
"Yeah, I told him—to be honest, I told him that I hate it!" Edgecombe laughed. "But it’s out of respect. I’m gonna learn from him. I’m gonna ask him. Obviously, I don’t shoot it as far out as he does. So, it’s gonna be a little more difficult for me, but that just shows how good Tyrese is, also. I just gotta keep asking questions. Try to figure out how to get around the double team, know how to score out of that. I’m trying."
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: 76ers' VJ Edgecombe discusses handling double teams for the first time