It has not been an ideal start for the Philadelphia 76ers, but one player was benefiting from having to go through such a rough initial stretch.
With Paul George being injured to start the year and Joel Embiid starting the season hurt before getting suspending, it would be easy to forget about Tyrese Maxey. But, when one thinks about his growth and the fact he has had to carry the load early for the Sixers, it becomes evident he could be due for a breakout season.
Through the first six games of the campaign, Maxey has averaged 30.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists while shooting roughly 41% perecent from the field. While these numbers are not the "pristine" marks one would expect from a true star, it is important to remember that Maxey is only 24 and still attempting to find his true identity as an NBA elite.
Why Tyrese Maxey could still be in for a breakout season with the Sixers
The Texas native has impressed in the past when he has played alongside Embiid. During the 2024 NBA Playoffs, Maxey averaged 29.8 points and 6.8 assists. Even though Philadelphia fell to the New York Knicks in the first round, Maxey was a major reason why the series went six games.
Tyrese Maxey has developed one of the most lethal step back jumpers in the NBA.
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) November 5, 2024
The amount of separation Maxey creates is absurd. pic.twitter.com/TaFTGuGDXV
With Embiid banged up, Maxey had to take on a great amount of responsibility against a squad that played every possesion as if it were their last. If given the chance to compete with a healthy Embiid and George, Maxey could be ready to turn heads once again.
Opposing defenses will be focused on Embiid and George. Both have been led teams to the playoffs while being the primary scoring option. It could even be said that each player has been given "the keys" to a franchise during their careers.
with his last three, @TyreseMaxey has made 5,001 career points! pic.twitter.com/JsycL1Ark6
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) November 5, 2024
Maxey will likely get lost in the shuffle and benefit from a number of factors. The guard will be able to work off of screens, knock down open jumpers, and carve his way towards the basket. Even though his shooting percentage has not been pretty through the first few games of the year, he has also attempted the most shots per game of his career thus far.
There is no exact science regarding "how" or "why" a player will evolve, but Maxey's case will be one defined by his ability to complement his star teammates and make defenses pay for leaving him unattended.