Jaylen Brown didn’t leave much room for debate when asked about who really runs the show in Philadelphia.
With the 76ers drawing attention as one of the league’s top teams, the conversation around their leadership has naturally centered on a roster that includes LeBron James, Brown and Joel Embiid. James and Brown bring major playoff mileage and Finals MVP hardware, while Embiid is the longest-tenured member of the starting five and won MVP in the 2022-2023 season. Still, Brown said the answer is straightforward.
“Maxey’s been leading the way, 100%,” Brown said. “He’s been here, this is his team.
Him and Joel have been here for a while, so the mindset has been to compliment those guys. I’m finding my footing, but Maxey’s been leading the way for sure.”
Tyrese Maxey has backed up that kind of praise with a huge start to the season. Through nine games, he’s averaging 29.1 points, 5.3 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.8 steals while shooting 50.3% from the field and 83% from the free-throw line.
James has also made it clear he sees Maxey in that role. After Philadelphia’s NBA Cup opening win over the defending champion New York Knicks, he spoke glowingly about the young guard to Prime Video.
“It's been great. Obviously ultra energy, ultra respect.
He gets the respect from his peers, respect from his teammates, and for me as the elder statesmen, I just try to give him all the gem and the knowledge to continue to improve his game each and every day,” James said postgame to Prime Video. “I mean he's already damn good, but I think he wants to be legendary so hopefully I can pass something down to him.”
In Other News...
Nick Nurse Addressed Joel Embiids Late Exit Against The Bulls
Joel Embiids night against the Bulls ended early, but the bigger takeaway for the 76ers was the same one that has hovered over him since the foot issue surfaced: keeping him on the floor long enough to help, without pushing too far. Philadelphia handled Chicago 126-107, and Embiid logged 25 minutes before the team shut him down for the rest of the game as part of a minutes restriction. Tyrese Maxey picked up plenty of the offensive slack, finishing with 26 points and 11 assists in a win that looked comfortable long before the final buzzer.
After the game, Nick Nurse said Embiid was okay and made clear the late exit was a team decision tied to managing the injury. For the Sixers, that kind of night has become part of the larger balancing act, where the result matters but so does the long view with Embiid. The encouraging part is that Philadelphia still had enough firepower to control the game even with its centerpiece on a shortened leash, but the real question remains how the team handles that workload going forward. [Read more 🡒]
76ers Could Have A Veteran Answer To Their Backup Center Problem
The 76ers have been searching for ways to shore up their backup center spot, and Brook Lopez has emerged as a name worth watching. The veteran big man is reportedly a potential buyout candidate from the Clippers, a development that could put him on the market if Los Angeles decides to move on amid its struggles and his contract situation.
For Philadelphia, the appeal is obvious. Lopez brings experience and floor spacing, two traits that can help stabilize a second unit that has been viewed as a weakness, and the 76ers could explore adding him if he becomes available. Nothing is settled yet, but his fit is the kind of practical roster solution teams often circle once the buyout market opens. [Read more 🡒]
LeBrons Viral Moment At Sixers Game Is Already Sparking Debate
LeBron James turned a routine courtside moment into one of the nights biggest talking points during the 76ers home game against the Bulls, when he accidentally bumped a fan behind the basket and spilled the drink in the process. He then took a sip from the fans cup, and the whole sequence quickly spread well beyond the arena, with the drink reportedly being wine.
The reaction was immediate and split right down the middle, with some fans and commentators criticizing the move and others brushing it off as harmless. For the Sixers, it was the kind of viral detour that can follow a big-game atmosphere, even when the basketball itself is supposed to be the main event. [Read more 🡒]