u/Affectionate_Use_179

I’m officially calling it. VJ Edgecombe is the Boston Strangler.

This dude started his NBA career by dropping 34 in his debut against Boston. Then in Game 2, he gave them 30 and 10 in the playoffs. Then in Game 7, in Boston, he puts up 23 points and helps send them home.

That’s not normal rookie stuff.

And it’s not just empty numbers either. He looks like he actually likes playing there. No fear, no panic, just attacking, competing, and making big plays in a tough environment.

For a rookie to have multiple big moments against Boston already is crazy.

I don’t know if “Boston Strangler” is too soon…

but I’m running with it.

The contested mid-range shot.

Everyone keeps saying Philly “locked them up,” but it’s more specific than that.

To me, the whole thing comes down to this: the best thing you can do on defense is take away layups/dunks and catch-and-shoot 3s.

That’s exactly what the Sixers are doing right now.

They’re not overhelping, not scrambling, not giving Boston those easy rhythm looks. Embiid is just parked in the paint and they’re basically saying:

• no easy 3s
• no easy rim attempts
• everything else? go ahead

So what’s Boston left with?
A ton of contested 2s and iso ball.

You can see it clear as day. The offense went from flowing to “your turn, my turn.” Less movement, more late clock possessions, more tough shots.

And honestly… Philly will live with that all day.

Because if you’re forcing a team to beat you with contested midrange/iso looks for 48 minutes, that’s a win defensively, no matter who you’re playing.

At this point it feels like the Sixers are basically betting:
“you’re not going to hit enough tough 2s to beat us.”

And so far… they’re right.

I don’t see many people talking about this, but Michael Heldman could be a real find for the Saints.

Dude was the #1 graded edge defender in college football last year (PFF) and somehow went undrafted.

Athletically, he’s insane:

• 6’4”, 260
• 4.68 forty
• 29 bench reps
• 40” vertical
• 9.88 RAS (basically elite across the board)

So why did he go undrafted?

• Played at Central Michigan (MAC competition)
• Can get overpowered at times
• Didn’t really break out until his final season

But the upside is obvious.

He’s a high motor guy who keeps coming, wins on effort, and could easily carve out a role as a situational pass rusher early.

Low risk, high reward type signing.

Feels like one of those guys we look back on and say “how did he go undrafted?"

With the drafting of all of these WRs, do you think the Saints may try to trade Olave to avoid paying him if Tyson and Lance really start to look good early on?