The Philadelphia 76ers have the league MVP in their ranks, but still, the fans don’t seem to be too excited for the upcoming season. The Sixers have constantly underperformed at the business end of the season. Joel Embiid has never reached the Conference finals in his entire career. And now, with the James Harden drama, the Sixers’ pre-season workout would have a rocky start.
If the Sixers want to be competitive this season, then other players would have to step up their game. And a veteran ESPN analyst suggested one player that the Sixers already have on their roster to take that leap into stardom.
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Embiid and The Sixers Banking on Maxey
The Sixers find themselves in a very sticky position during the offseason. Harden is constantly criticizing the GM, Daryl Morey. Their franchise cornerstone has stated that he wants to win the title and if the Sixers can’t build a team to compete for the title then he might look to greener pastures. And in a recent episode of his podcast, experienced analyst Max Lowe said this about the Sixers: “Boy if the Harden trade goes sideways, they are going to need a massive Tyrese Maxey season to stay where they are or even where they are in the pecking order”.
Joel Embiid needs more support in order for the Sixers to finish anywhere near the top of the conference. Maxey shouldn’t be the only one to be burdened with the scoring responsibilities. In fact, players such as Tobias Harris and De’Anthony Melton should also step up. Tyrese Maxey is undoubtedly a very talented player with elite shooting splits. But with Harden’s one foot out of the door, Maxey needs to improve his ball handling and play-making skills, to offset Harden’s departure.
A New Look Sixers
We might look at a completely new and refreshed Sixers outfit this season. After last season’s disappointment, Morey fired head coach Doc Rivers and hired Nick Nurse. Nick Nurse coached the Toronto Raptors when they won the championship in the 2019-20 season. Nick Nurse also has the experience of building a contending team without the need for too much star power.
The Eastern Conference would be very competitive this season with teams such as the Bucks, Celtics, Cavaliers, and the Heat. Joel Embiid would again be expected to score most of the points as he is the star. But if players such as Maxey, Harris, and Melton adapt to Nick Nurse’s offense, then the Sixers might not feel the glaring absence of James Harden.
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Written by
Edited by
Saumya Khanduja