Sixers mailbag: VJ Edgecombe’s postseason role, Joel Embiid’s future and more

The Sixers wrapped up their regular season Sunday, and will begin their postseason path by hosting Wednesday’s Play-In Tournament game against the Orlando Magic.

That is the perfect time to open the mailbag. We are answering two postseason-specific questions. And one bigger-picture question about the future of Joel Embiid and the team. And one silly question that perhaps represents the interest level of the fan base following Embiid’s appendectomy.

Let’s get to it.

A: Very interesting you mention this topic specifically, because I am working on a story about the Maxey-Edgecombe backcourt tandem that will publish before Wednesday’s game.

The good news is Edgecombe did get valuable experience as the lead ballhandler and top offensive option while Maxey (and several others) were out last month. Coach Nick Nurse has mentioned recently that he was impressed with Edgecombe’s developing one-on-one game, helped by lessons from Paul George. Edgecombe also joked after a recent game at Washington (and, very briefly, following Sunday’s win against Milwaukee) that he can be “PG1″ in an effort to take pressure off Maxey when the All-Star is being hounded by opposing defenses.

» READ MORE: Sixers to treat Play-In matchup against Magic as ‘win or go home’ game: ‘We shouldn’t be looking at a Plan B’

Since Edgecombe has handled this whole season with maturity and effectiveness, I do not expect him to be spooked by the postseason. But you are correct that it is difficult to rely on a rookie going through this for the first time. Overall, the Sixers likely need to lean into their backcourt’s speed and athleticism and run, run, run. That will get Edgecombe out in transition, and downhill to attack the basket. But even if the Sixers get out of the play-in, it is difficult to envision a team (likely) with no Embiid and (likely) a limited Maxey upsetting the Celtics or Pistons.

A: Certainly a chance. He obviously was great in the season finale against Milwaukee, with 17 points on 5-of-8 from three-point range, four steals, and two assists in 23 minutes. But he also got double-digit minutes in each of the Sixers’ last three games. Nurse was asked before Sunday’s game about keeping Edwards in the playoff rotation, and the coach did not fully commit to doing so but reiterated that he appreciates Edwards’ dependability on both ends of the floor. He is not the flashiest player, but can knock down shots, make sound decisions with the ball, and guard the perimeter. That can provide value in high-stakes games, though this also will be his first postseason experience.

Depending on the matchup or game, Jabari Walker (for his rebounding) and Trendon Watford (for his versatility and playmaking) could also be options for a random appearance.

A: I will never say “never” when it comes to the NBA trade landscape because, hey, the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Dončić in his prime. But you are correct in that it is extremely unlikely that the Sixers can move Embiid’s massive contract (three years left, starting at $59.5 million in 2026-27). Ditto for George’s deal still with two years remaining. Just look at the seemingly never-ending saga between Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks right now.

As far as possible grin and bear it solutions, your 15-minute spurts is an interesting suggestion. So was the Sixers’ approach early this season, when Embiid was required to take two off days between playing games. But Embiid regularly says he feels better the more he plays, including when he logged nearly the entire second and third quarters in San Antonio last week (which could end up being his final game of the season).

Embiid said during his available and dominant stretch from December through early February that he already viewed this season as a success, because he believed he and the medical staff had figured out how to manage his knees and consistently perform. Does he still feel that way today? His appendicitis and oblique strain were freak ailments, not wear-and-tear or chronic issues. But we still did not get a clear public answer on what caused his right knee issue (aka the one that has not undergone multiple recent surgeries) or the shin stress reaction.

In the bigger picture, it is pretty darn clear that the Sixers now need to build around Maxey and Edgecombe — roster-wise and schematically — and hope Embiid can play as much as possible. They deliberately tried to move in that direction at the start of this season, but it needs to hold consistently through 82 games next year.

It is a shame for a player who, when available, can still easily drop 30 points even when he clearly is not 100% healthy. But that is the reality when the Sixers can no longer rely on Embiid to play the bulk of the season — or hold up through an entire playoff run.

A: Does spending a practice round on a Lake Tahoe golf course with Jason Kelce two summers ago — no, really, I did that — qualify me for an invitation? If so, count me in.

My two gift ideas: Another lovely brunch at Talula’s Garden, one of my favorite Philly restaurants and where Taylor and Travis were spotted on Mother’s Day last year. Or, “runway” tickets to Cats: The Jellicle Ball, which just opened on Broadway. My hunch is that Taylor, who played Bombalurina in that *interesting* movie adaptation, will appreciate the wild reimagining of the material. (I saw this production’s downtown run two years ago. It absolutely rocks.)