Tuesday, Sep 28, 2021. 6:12 PM
CAMDEN, NJ – Yes, Tyrese Maxey was indeed leading the offensive streak for the Philadelphia 76ers, along with Joel Embiid and three other starters.
The star player Maxey replaced? This is Ben Simmons, who was out of camp on Tuesday as he continues to try to convince the 76ers to trade him, even though he still has four years and US $ 147 million left on his contract.
The only trace of the former 76ers point guard at camp was a zoomed-in photo of Simmons when he made the cover of Slam magazine.
Head coach Doc Rivers clings to his beliefs, however unlikely, that Simmons could show up to camp or return during the season to try again to lead the 76ers to the top of the Eastern Conference .
“I think he’ll be back at some point,” Rivers said on Tuesday. Right now I’m going to focus on the guys on the pitch. I believe that is what is more important. “
The focus is on Maxey, who is participating in rehearsals with the starting squad and who could be used more in his second season with the 76ers. The 20-year-old point guard scored 39 points in 44 minutes in his first career start against the Denver Nuggets.
“He’s not a natural leader,” Rivers observed.
But his energy, humor, and ability to pull off floating shots at the right time made Maxey a fan favorite. He could now be the perfect match to replace Simmons as a starter, although the 76ers would take a hard hit defensively.
Maxey is nine inches shorter than Simmons, who was selected for the NBA’s first all-star team on defense, and he needs to improve one on one. Maxey might need some time to feel comfortable leading a group of top-earning veterans who are used to winning.
“When you’re in that leadership position you have to be patient and calm,” said winger Tobias Harris. Tyrese’s best assets are his speed and his ability to attack the basket. It’s a playful game, but he continues to evolve in his game. During the camp, we will see different things from him the more he will gain in confidence. “
Maxey reiterated that his mantra was to improve by one percent every day, on and off the court. He averaged eight points per game in 15.3 minutes of play last season and he vowed to become a better student in the sport.
“I put my head down and work,” he said.
The 76ers will need it if they want to stay among the best teams in the East.
