Player grades: Jaylen Brown, Sixers beat Knicks in preseason opener

PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers opened the preseason with a matchup with the New York Knicks on Monday as they were looking to get everybody rolling in the right direction. When considering the Sixers were sitting LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and others, this was the definition of an exhibition game.

The Sixers used a big second quarter to build a big lead over the defending champion Knicks, then held off a charge, and extended the lead to eventually earn a 120-97 win to open the 4-game preseason schedule. Jaylen Brown, making his unofficial Sixers debut, looked terrific as he had 22 points, all in the first half, two rebounds, and two assists for Philadelphia.

VJ Edgecombe had 12 points, seven assists, and four rebounds, Jabari

Walker added 11 points and 11 rebounds, and Caleb Love added 15 and six assists. The Sixers also received seven points from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and nine from Dillon Jones.

Here are the player grades following the win:

VJ Edgecombe: A-minus

Edgecombe is still spectacular. He had so many strong moves to the basket off the dribble and finding ways into the paint. He was able to finish at the basket and make plays for others while also being active on the glass. The Sixers need him to be more efficient on his 3-point looks, but it’s the preseason so he’ll get a pass for that. Overall, he stuffed the box score, showed off his speed and quickness, and was able to make a big impact on this group. He looked like he was in mid-season form.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: B-plus

One can see how helpful this 13-year veteran is going to be for this group. Caldwell-Pope just knows how to play basketball at a high level and is going to be a key part of whatever Philadelphia wants to do on the floor. He attacked the glass, made defensive plays, and was able to give the Sixers everything they will look for from somebody of his stature.

Jaylen Brown: A

The initial run for Brown in a Sixers uniform was solid. He was able to get after it in the scoring department as he broke down New York’s defense and get himself some high percentage looks. Obviously, it goes without saying, but the star forward is going to be so helpful to this team as somebody who can knock down tough looks within the halfcourt offense. He was terrific with his 3-point shooting, found opportunities in the mid-range, got to the basket, and was able to put up some big scoring numbers in his time on the floor.

Dean Wade: B

Wade is just what the doctor ordered for this group. He is somebody who can move without the basketball and find easy looks and he showed that skill in this one. There were so many times when he just knew to space so his teammates could operate while he also was able to find an open seam in the defense for a look. He was helpful on the glass as well as he gave Philadelphia some help in that department.

Ariel Hukporti: Incomplete

Before going down with an unfortunate injury, Hukporti had some good moments. He was active defensively and had a really, really nice pass to Wade on the backdoor cut for a bucket. He, obviously, did not return and his official status remains to be seen, but it certainly didn’t look good.

Labaron Philon Jr.: B

The rookie committed a questionable foul in the early going, but Philon was good. He was aggressive with his offense as he got into the paint and made things happen for everybody around him. For such a young player, Philon has a high IQ and understands where to go with the basketball. He had some good moments in the third quarter when he was able to really showcase his ball-handling skills and take defenders off the dribble.

Jabari Walker: A

After starting the night with a missed layup, Walker had a nice defensive possession, grabbed a rebound, and then knocked down a 3 in transition. He snatched down some tough rebounds, played excellent defense, and knocked down some 3s. This is the version of Walker who can help the Sixers get the job done off the bench.

Justin Edwards: C

The initial run for Edwards didn’t produce much. He had an assist in his first eight minutes on the floor. He ended up knocking down a couple of 3s, but it was a non-descript game from the third-year man out of Kentucky.

Caleb Love: A

If there’s one thing Love will bring to the floor, it’s his aggressive offensive game. The second-year guard, here on a two-way deal, will be looking to bring that aggressive offensive style to Philadelphia. He was terrific in the early going as he had a tough move to the basket and also knocked down a 3 on a catch-and-shoot opportunity. He shot the ball well in this one and was able to showcase his offensive ability.

Rayan Rupert: C-plus

The Sixers gave Rupert a look early in the first half and he immediately knocked down a 3. After that, it was tough sledding for him, but he was active on the defensive end of the floor and made some hustle plays that won’t show up in the box score.

Dillon Jones

Here on an Exhibit 10 deal, Jones looks like somebody who can earn the team's final two-way spot. He's a physical player who can put the ball on the floor and get to his spots while also possessing a high basketball IQ. There is a lot to like about his game and is somebody who can find ways to contribute.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Player grades: Jaylen Brown, Sixers beat Knicks in preseason opener