The Philadelphia 76ers have been here before-navigating a season clouded by injury questions. But this time, the energy feels different.
The conversation isn’t just about who’s unavailable. It’s about who’s stepping up.
And right now, that player is Tyrese Maxey.
Maxey’s rise has been steady over the past few seasons, but this year, something has shifted. He’s no longer just the promising young guard with elite quickness and a high motor.
He’s the guy. The one carrying the franchise when the stars are sidelined.
And according to the latest from NBA Today, the Sixers are embracing that reality.
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne put it plainly: “This is Tyrese Maxey’s team.” That’s not just a throwaway line-it’s a reflection of how Philadelphia has pivoted in the face of uncertainty surrounding Joel Embiid and Paul George.
Over the summer, with no clear timeline for either veteran’s return, the Sixers needed someone to take the reins. Maxey didn’t just step into that role-he sprinted into it.
The turning point came in a statement game against the Milwaukee Bucks, when Maxey dropped a career-high 54 points. That wasn’t just a hot night.
It was a declaration. He controlled the pace, made tough shots look routine, and delivered under pressure.
It was the kind of performance that doesn’t just win games-it changes narratives. Internally, it marked the moment the Sixers began to see Maxey not just as a rising star, but as the star.
It’s a development that ties back to something Joel Embiid said back in 2022, when he first called Maxey “The Franchise.” At the time, it felt like a nickname. Now, it feels more like a prophecy.
Fans have taken notice, too. Social media lit up after Shelburne’s comments, with many pointing out that Maxey has been the team’s most consistent presence all season.
Others raised the obvious question: how far can this team go without a fully healthy Embiid? It’s a fair concern.
But Maxey’s performance so far has given the Sixers something they haven’t always had during injury-plagued stretches-stability.
Through the early part of the season, Maxey is averaging around 32 points and 7 to 8 assists per game while logging over 40 minutes a night. That’s not just volume-it’s leadership.
He’s running the offense, setting the tone, and doing it with a relentless pace that keeps defenses on their heels. Even with a shortened rotation, Maxey’s energy and efficiency have kept Philly competitive in a loaded Eastern Conference.
And this didn’t happen by accident. Shelburne also noted that Maxey led early offseason workouts, showing a level of commitment that resonated with the coaching staff.
Week after week, they saw the growth-his handle tighter, his jumper more reliable, his decision-making sharper. That work is translating now, with Maxey playing like a seasoned floor general who knows when to push the tempo and when to slow it down.
Of course, the Sixers’ ceiling still hinges on the health of Embiid and George. But while the team waits, Maxey has given them something real to build on.
He’s not just filling in-he’s leading. And in a league where stars often define a franchise’s direction, the Sixers may have already found their next cornerstone.
This might be the season Tyrese Maxey officially becomes “The Franchise.” And if he keeps playing like this, Philly won’t just be surviving without its stars-they’ll be thriving with a new one.