One NBA Eastern Conference scout believes that Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe has a chance to be a "special player," per comments made to ESPN's Tim Bontemps.

The Sixers entered the game significantly short-handed, with Joel Embiid (knee), Paul George (ankle), Kelly Oubre (knee) and VJ Edgecombe (calf) all out for the game, leaving Tyrese Maxey as the team's only consistent offensive engine. He wasn't nearly what they need him to be, with 20 points on 7-of-15 shooting in 32 minutes.

The 76ers love their young guards. Everyone does. But if Philadelphia wants to climb in the East, the whole thing still comes back to Joel Embiid. That’s the theme from ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, and it’s the whisper around the league.

The Sixers immediately established superiority over the young, lowly Nets. Their first three hoops were all layups, including a lefty George bucket in transition. The Sixers’ first made jumper was a Drummond corner three-pointer. Drummond did a little bit of everything in his first stint, posting seven points, four rebounds, a block and an assist.

Follow along with live updates around Emirates NBA Cup action, including Oklahoma City improving to 19-1 after winning their 11th straight game.

The Philadelphia 76ers will take on the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA Cup on Friday in the final group stage game for both teams.

The talent-starved Nets got a good look at their offense with Michael Porter Jr. sidelined by fresh back woes.