Sixers Notes: VJ Edgecombe, Joel Embiid, Kelly Oubre, Jared McCain

Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer wonders if 76ers rookie guard VJ Edgecombe can fully grow his offensive game while sharing the floor with Joel Embiid.

Edgecombe has been the league’s most productive rookie so far, averaging 20.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.5 steals on .495 shooting and .421 from three. But when Embiid is out there, the ball naturally goes through the former MVP.

Pompey also notes that Embiid still looks limited. He had another knee surgery in April, and his mobility hasn’t looked the same through four games. Pompey says it may take another month to know whether Embiid is just playing into shape or if the knee is still holding him back.

Pompey also touched on Paul George’s playmaking and how he fits defensively once he returns.

The Sixers are off to a great start. Now the question becomes how these pieces look once all of them are finally on the court together.

Oubre Shines

Wing Kelly Oubre Jr. isn’t getting the same attention as the guards, but he’s been every bit as important to Philadelphia’s 5-1 start.

Oubre scored 24 points against Brooklyn, including 22 in the first quarter. He also drew the defensive assignment on Michael Porter Jr., who had 32 in his previous game. Oubre held Porter to two points in the first half.

“So Kelly set the tone big-time on that,” coach Nick Nurse said, via Pompey. “When you start the game super focused on D, that usually translates to the other end, too.”

Oubre signed a one-year deal and will be an unrestricted free agent next summer. Through six games, he’s averaging 19.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals while shooting .526 from the field and .416 from three.

He’s proving again he’s more than just a scoring streak guy. He’s been a two-way piece in one of the league’s best early stories.

McCain Ready

As we relayed earlier, guard Jared McCain is set to make his season debut on Tuesday. He was huge for the Sixers as a rookie last year when healthy. We have the details here.