When a team finishes with just 24 wins, there usually isn’t much to celebrate. But for the Philadelphia 76ers, last season’s struggles may have quietly laid the foundation for their future. Amid injuries to Joel Embiid and Paul George, a new face of the franchise emerged - and his name is Tyrese Maxey.
Now in his fifth season, Maxey has taken the leap from promising young guard to full-blown superstar. And it’s not just a hot streak - it’s a transformation that’s reshaping the identity of the Sixers. With Embiid and George limited by injuries once again, Maxey has stepped into the spotlight and kept Philadelphia afloat with a 10-9 record, doing more than just keeping the team competitive - he’s carrying them.
As ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne put it earlier this week, “This is Tyrese Maxey’s team.” And based on what we’ve seen so far, she’s not wrong.
From Bright Spot to Centerpiece
Last season, Maxey was already flashing signs of stardom. He averaged a then-career-high 26.3 points per game, but even that wasn’t enough to save a Sixers squad derailed by injuries. Embiid appeared in just 19 games, George in 41, and the team limped to a 24-58 finish - their worst since 2016-17.
Fast forward to this season, and Maxey hasn’t just picked up where he left off - he’s taken it to another level. Through the early stretch of the 2024-25 campaign, he’s averaging 32.3 points (third in the league), 7.6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds. That’s elite company, and he’s doing it with a refined offensive arsenal that’s allowing him to score from all three levels and create for others, no matter how defenses try to scheme against him.
What’s changed? For one, Maxey’s shot creation has become more polished.
He’s more comfortable operating in tight spaces, more decisive when attacking mismatches, and more in control when orchestrating the offense. His playmaking has taken a step forward too, as he’s consistently creating good looks for teammates even when the defense is keyed in on him.
Carrying the Load - and Then Some
But Maxey’s rise hasn’t come without a cost. He leads the NBA in total minutes played (773) and is posting a career-high usage rate of 30.2%.
That means nearly a third of the Sixers’ possessions end with Maxey either taking the shot, getting to the line, or setting up a teammate. In other words, he’s doing everything.
The burden is real, and it’s showing up in the numbers. When Maxey is off the court, the Sixers’ offense drops off a cliff - scoring 7.3 fewer points per 100 possessions.
That would put them near the bottom of the league in offensive rating. It’s a clear sign of how dependent they’ve become on their 25-year-old star, especially with Embiid and George still working their way back to full strength.
A Glimpse of What Could Be
Sunday’s high-scoring loss to the Hawks gave us our first look at what this team could be when fully healthy. It was the first time Maxey, Embiid, and George all shared the floor this season. Even with minute restrictions on the two veterans, the offensive dynamic shifted - and in a good way.
Embiid’s presence in the post and as a pick-and-pop threat helped diversify the offense. George’s ability to create his own shot added another layer.
And yet, it was still Maxey who stole the show with 44 points. That’s the beauty of this version of the Sixers: Maxey doesn’t have to fade into the background when the stars return - he is one of the stars now.
But for this trio to reach its full potential, health is the key. If Embiid and George can stay on the floor consistently, Maxey won’t have to shoulder the same all-encompassing workload. That’s when we’ll really see what this team is capable of - and how far Maxey can take them with the right support.
“The Franchise” - And Earning It
Nicknames in the NBA don’t always stick. But when people call Tyrese Maxey “The Franchise” now, it’s not just a catchy label - it’s the truth.
He’s not just filling in while the veterans recover. He’s not just a feel-good story. He’s become the engine of the Sixers’ offense, the heartbeat of their locker room, and the reason they’re still in the mix despite a rocky start to the season.
Maxey’s rise hasn’t been linear, and it hasn’t been easy. But it’s been undeniable. And if this is what he looks like at 25, the Sixers may have found their next great cornerstone - one capable of leading them into the next era, and maybe even beyond.