4 X-factors that can elevate an NBA title contender to a championship

With the NBA season almost upon us, one thing is clear: the league is as wide open as ever. At least six teams could win the championship this season, something that often hasn’t been the case in the past with the prevalence of super teams. The absence of such teams has led to increased parity in the league and opened the door for almost any playoff team to make a deep run in the postseason.

That said, some teams will have to rely on an x-factor to be the difference-maker to get over the hump. But which teams and which x-factor could push an NBA title contender over the top? Let’s see.

NBA: Tyrese Maxey-Philadelphia 76ers

On paper, the Philadelphia 76ers should be the team to beat in the East. However, there are some question marks. Superstar center Joel Embiid has emerged as an MVP candidate but has struggled to stay healthy, particularly in the playoffs. Meanwhile, recently acquired superstar James Harden didn’t exactly play like a former league MVP in the postseason. Additionally, at 33, there are concerns that he’s not anywhere near the player he used to be.

They do have another talented player in Tobias Harris, who, at one point, was considered a disappointment in Philadelphia. That perception appears to have changed, but he isn’t good enough to be the team’s second option behind Embiid. He’s much better suited as a third option, which is his current role, and as the salary cap steadily increases, his big contract doesn’t look nearly as bad.

So, who’s the team’s x-factor then? Tyrese Maxey. Maxey has emerged as a key player for the 76ers despite having been selected 21st overall in 2020. The third-year player put together a strong year last season, averaging 17.5 points and 4.3 assists while shooting a blazing 42.7% from three.

In fact, he more than doubled his scoring and expectations are that he’ll be even better this season now that he’s fully earned the trust of Doc Rivers.

Expectations and reality don’t always align, however. Some of his scoring increase is a result of him playing 35.3 minutes per game, after only averaging 15.3 per game during his rookie year. Moreover, with Harden becoming fully integrated into the team’s offense, Maxey’s touches will take a hit. Still, his shooting ability appears real, and Harden, alone, can generate open shots like no other, not to mention Embiid.

Shooting around 40% on, say seven, threes per game would be huge for a team that shot a high percentage from deep last season but was third from last in attempts. Additionally, Maxey averaging in the high teens or even 20-plus points per game would take pressure off of Harden and Embiid and diversify the 76ers’ scoring attack.

After all, opponents have to focus on limiting Philly’s two superstars, plus Harris, and now Maxey. Overall, Maxey’s continued development could be a game-changer for the 76ers and allow the team to get incrementally better so long as they have little drop-off from their best players.