Earlier this season, the Philadelphia 76ers made the decision to shake up the starting lineup around Joel Embiid. After proving to be a foundational piece last year, Tyrese Maxey was moved to the bench in exchange for De’Anthony Melton.
While many agree the Sixers needed more defense in their backcourt, turning Maxey into the sixth man was met with mixed reactions. Primarily because the young guard took his game to another level following the addition of James Harden.
Since moving to the bench, Maxey’s play has been up and down. Through 19 games, he is averaging 15.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. Seeing that he was putting up All-Star-level production as a starter, many are left wanting more from the rising star.
Among those who want to see more from Maxey is Embiid. After a heartbreaking defeat to the Boston Celtics, the All-Star center opened up about speaking with Maxey about getting more involved going forward.
“I just want him to be aggressive. It’s funny, because after the game, I was talking to him, I was like, ‘What can I do to help you?’ We’re just having a conversation, trying to figure it out, which ways I can help him. We had a good conversation.”
Joel Embiid on trying to maximize Tyrese Maxey’s skillset
Joel Embiid would like Tyrese Maxey to play freely
Along with trying to be a good leader and uplift his teammate, Embiid had the bigger picture in mind when talking with Maxey. He understands that for the team to be at its best, they need him to be a constant threat on the offensive end.
“He’ll be fine, but I told him, we’re not going anywhere unless he’s aggressive and he just plays freely,” Embiid stated. “So that’s all I want for him to play freely. Not think about anything. Whether it’s coming off the bench or starting, just want him to be aggressive and play freely.”
Embiid is not wrong in his assessment. Come playoff time, the Sixers are going to need Maxey in a big way. Making things work with him in the starting lineup is one of their biggest glaring questions moving forward.
Finding a groove alongside two stars is tough, but it’s a challenge that Maxey needs to overcome. When he is playing freely alongside Embiid and Harden, the Sixers are nearly impossible to defend.
With this up-and-down play on the bench, it might be time for the experiment to end. The Sixers’ original starting lineup is still their best unit and one that will play big minutes in the postseason. Putting Maxey back with that group could be what he needs to get back on track.
There is no denying that Maxey is the biggest X-factor for Philly as they attempt to make a run at the NBA title. If he can’t get back in a groove in the coming weeks, it will be a massive blow to the offense. With opponents preparing to send multiple bodies at the star duo, it’s crucial for the supporting cast to be aggressively attacking mismatches. Having spoken with Embiid on the matter, only time will tell if Maxey can bounce back to the level of play we are accustomed to seeing.
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