When Jason Kelce retired from professional football over the summer, Tyrese Maxey was left in a strange position. Playing for a fanbase that is harder on its players than any other and still a month away from turning 24 years old, Maxey suddenly became the owner of the highest approval rating of any athlete in Philadelphia. The only thing brighter than his future is his smile, which has captured the hearts of the City of Brotherly Love.
But the tenor has to change now. Fresh off of inking a five-year, $204 million max-extension with the Philadelphia 76ers, the proverbial weight Maxey bears on his shoulders increases exponentially. Not only will he be trusted to continue to grow his game like he has every year, but he will also be a direct barometer of success for however the Sixers’ season ends up. Those are the rules when the franchise invests that much money in you.
The triumvirate of Maxey, Paul George, and Joel Embiid are all on similar contractual timelines and are going to have ample time to learn how to effectively play off of one another. Maxey is going to be the one with the ball in his hands the most and will be tasked with balancing how to get everyone their touches in the proper rhythm of the offense. There is a lot on the kid’s plate, but he would not have it any other way. Here are some expectations for Tyrese Maxey heading into the 2024-25 season.
Become a true facilitator
Everybody’s role will have to change, if even just by a little on this Sixers team. Paul George will be the lowest in the pecking order he has ever been in his career. Joel Embiid will have to get more comfortable taking shots closer to the basket at a slightly lesser clip. Tyrese Maxey will have to continue to develop as a passer both in the half-court and in transition for the Sixers’ offense to be at its best.
Maxey averaged 6.2 assists per game last season in his first true season as the primary point guard. A lot of those assists came on pocket passes to Embiid at the nail when operating in pick-and-roll. Those looks will obviously still be there, but the addition of Paul George to replace Tobias Harris opens up more opportunities on the floor.
George is a very reliable catch-and-shoot marksman and will see the most open shots of his career when Maxey skips it to him after the defense has to collapse to the paint to contain him and Embiid. Throw in the other reliable shooting options Daryl Morey attained this offseason, and Maxey should see the highest total assists in his career.
Continue to make defensive improvements
Maxey took big defensive strides last season and has added more muscle going into this year to be able to withstand the rigors of point-of-attack defense. The good news is he will not be required to spearhead the defense with George, Kelly Oubre, and Caleb Martin in the fold. Maxey’s focus can be off-ball in the passing lanes and praying on lesser offensive players when they get the ball in their hands.
Attack, attack, attack
This sounds simple, but with the addition of Paul George to the offense, Maxey will be pressured to get everyone properly involved. He needs to stay as aggressive as possible on the offensive end. The Sixers spacing is at its best when Maxey can draw defenders into the paint with his speed. With a roster constructed to take advantage of that extra space, Maxey needs to keep his foot on the gas.
Last season, Maxey looked far more comfortable fighting his battles in the paint. There were even some rare signs of frustration when he thought he earned a foul call. That whistle should be a little more favorable to him this year now that he bulked up and continues to stake his claim amongst the best guards—and players—in the NBA.
Everyone on the team benefits from Maxey’s ability to get downhill. Embiid can stay back in the midrange or step out to the arc, where he is always a threat, and he can opportunistically clean up misses at the rim. Paul George and the other shooters on the team will have all the space in the world to get their shots off or attract enough attention themselves, allowing Maxey and Embiid to feast.
Be the glue guy
There is a reason Joel Embiid dubbed Tyrese Maxey “The Franchise.” Embiid is far and away the best player on the team, but the organizational culture and continuity go through both of them. Maxey is one of the team leaders, but he is also the emotional leader. That is a big ask for someone as young as he is.
Teams and locker rooms fall apart all the time; it’s part of sports. If it has happened to teams that have won championships together, it can happen to any team. It is now Maxey’s job to keep the morale high through the ups and downs of the long season.
Tyrese Maxey is an All-Star on a new max contract. He has done an invariable amount of good things in his short time in Philly, but the expectations are much greater now that the organization has put their eggs in his basket. Given his inviting personality and relentless work ethic, nobody is better to assume this role.
