The Philadelphia 76ers could be a two-man show next season.
With James Harden asking out of the team, it might all be up to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
That’s why it was so nice to see the young guard out of Kentucky show some leadership and attend his teammate Paul Reed’s basketball camp (via Sixers).
.@Bball_paul had a special guest at his camp today. 👀 pic.twitter.com/OKcRSdsiHl
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) September 17, 2023
Maxey has been quite vocal about Harden’s situation.
He states that as much as he — obviously — wants the former MVP to stay, he’s going to prepare himself for whatever scenario, knowing that he’s going to have to step up no matter what.
Maxey’s role has gotten more significant every season, and the first year under coach Nick Nurse shouldn’t be the exception to that rule.
Harden or not, he’s one of the team’s best and most explosive scorers, and he can be a secondary playmaker and play on and off the ball.
He’s developed strong chemistry with Embiid, and the Sixers will really heavily upon them to try and finally get over the hump and get past the second round of the playoffs.
The Sixers have been reluctant to include Maxey in any potential trade for any star, Damian Lillard included, and they’re heavily invested him him as a big part of their future.
They don’t plan to sign him to a contract extension yet, though, so he will have to be at his best next season to prove to them why they need to sign him to a big contract to keep him on board for the long run.
NEXT: James Harden Sends Cryptic Message About 'Business'
