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Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe Arguing on the Bench Can Only be Viewed as a Positive Thing
By Sean Barnard
Published:
Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe made a bit of a stir on the internet after an argument on the Sixers bench during the most-recent loss to the Cavaliers:
This interaction stemmed from a defensive breakdown in transition that led to an open three-pointer from Donovan Mitchell. Maxey was quick to show his frustration on the floor, and this spilled over to the bench area during the next stoppage:
A few thoughts here:
From a pure basketball perspective, it seems like Edgecombe is in the right. The general rule of thumb in transition opportunities is to stop the ball and figure out the matchups later. Edegcombe did this by picking up Craig Porter Jr. as he took his dribble from half court. The caveat here is that Donovan Mitchell was Edegcombe’s primary matchup from opening tip in this game. Maxey is likely expressing frustration that the rookie didn’t allow him to take Porter Jr., which he started in a position to be able to do so, and focus on his own matchup as they got set.
Maxey also could be mad about Edgecombe not reading that he is attempting to switch back to their normal matchups following the initial pickup. Maxey attempted to get back on his man, while Edgecombe stuck with the ball-handler, which led to the open look for the most dangerous man on the court. It’s also generally a cardinal sin to ever leave a ball-handler, so this also points to Maxey being the guy in the wrong here. Mitchell is the caliber of scorer that can change what the traditional defensive order of operations is, so Nick Nurse’s game plan really dictates who was at fault.
In either case, I love everything about this. It would be one thing if Maxey and Edgecombe had reputations as guys who fail to take responsibility or complain at a high rate, but it is the exact opposite for each. You can nitpick Maxey’s body language, particularly the slumped shoulders in the middle of the play, or his being a bit over the top in his intensity with this conversation on the bench.
But I largely view this as a massive positive that these are two competitors that care about being on the same page. There has been plenty of evidence of Maxey scaling up his role as leader inside the Sixers organization. While yelling at a rookie in the huddle is not the most glowing example of this, it is a bit refreshing to see a commitment to accountability and the effort being made to maximize the product on the floor. The Sixers have had a bit of a lackadaisical vibe over the past few years, and this is a welcomed change.
Side note –
It’s pretty cool to see how much Kyle Lowry was all-in on this interaction. You can see him fired up, nodding along, and he even steps in to stop a member of the Sixers personnel who was attempting to cool the tensions. His impact on the court will continue to be minimal, but it is clear he is an important leader and voice in the locker room, which matters on a team in the midst of this youth movement.
Largely, this is much ado about nothing for two guys who are trying to get the best out of the team. Maxey and Edgecombe have been incredibly complimentary of each other in every chance they get. They are the backcourt duo of the future and will represent this franchise for the next decade, and there are going to be some growing pains on this path. The level of passion should be viewed as a net positive, and there is no need to make more of it.
Sean Barnard has covered the Philadelphia 76ers and general Philly Sports for over six years in a variety of roles and for multiple outlets. Currently works as a Content Writer for DraftKings Network, Sixers/NBA Insider for Philadelphia's Fox Sports the Gambler, and co-host of Sixers & Phillies Digest on Youtube. Forever Trusting the Process.