Why can’t we have nice things?
Heading into NBA Summer League play in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, I think many fans were genuinely excited about watching the Philadelphia 76ers take the court. Sure, the quality of the on-court play during July is choppy, at best, and the results don’t actually matter, but after months of actively hoping the Sixers would lose games in order to improve draft position, it’s nice to have a pure rooting interest in hoping they win the game you’re watching, even in Summer League. Plus, the Sixers had third overall pick VJ Edgecombe, and watching his development would add an interesting and exciting element.
We had a brief taste of it against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City, when the Sixers lost in the final minute, but Edgecombe balled out with 28 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal, and also showed off some trash-talking chops. For a day or so, everything was golden and Summer League vibes were super high.
Then, everything changed when Edgecombe was ruled out with a bruised thumb, which later morphed into a sprained thumb, and then finally a wrist injury. VJ has yet to retake the floor and it would be surprising to see him out there for the remaining games this week. With this development, all excitement and optimism has left the Sixers Summer League experience.
Now, there are levels to this disappointment. First, it would just be fun to see Edgecombe playing, but if it was a situation like the Dallas Mavericks shutting down Cooper Flagg, we would understand and be OK with the call. Then, there’s his suffering an injury after just one game, bringing back all the familiar “Sixers draft picks are cursed” memories. ‘Is this going to mess with his shot and we have another Markelle Fultz situation’ on our hands?’ Not a reasonable thought for what is reportedly a minor injury, but we’ve been hurt too many times before to not even have a hint of worry across our minds. Finally, it’s yet another weird injury reporting situation from the Sixers. They feel like the only franchise in the league that routinely changes what the injury is on a regular basis. Just be normal, Sixers medical staff!
Add it all up and we’ve gone from being excited about Summer League to kind of just wanting it to be over so we can eventually get to training camp and see Edgecombe out there healthy with the regulars. With all due respect to Judah Mintz, Dominick Barlow and whoever else has been stringing together some solid performances out West, another depressively vague injury situation is the last thing we needed and overshadows whatever else is happening. Just bring everyone home safe and sound and bubble wrap them until October.