Sixers ride Maxey’s surge while Embiid and George remain on limited duty
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PHILADELPHIA — Joel Embiid and Paul George have appeared in only six and three games, respectively, and have yet to share the floor this season. Even so, early setbacks that derailed the Philadelphia 76ers a year ago have been tempered by a revamped backcourt led by Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe.
Maxey, now the team’s primary offensive driver, is averaging career highs of 32.2 points and 7.5 assists through 17 games while shooting .470 from the field, .409 from three and .878 at the line. His production has convinced multiple scouts he is performing at a first- or second-team All-NBA level.
Edgecombe, selected No. 3 overall in June, joins Maxey in a lineup that executives say injects fresh energy and could eventually ease the franchise’s transition away from the Embiid-George era. Several scouts compared the rookie’s upside to Donovan Mitchell or peak Victor Oladipo and noted his ability to share ball-handling duties with Maxey.
Managing Embiid’s availability
Although Embiid is no longer the sole focal point, staff members acknowledge they still rely on his presence, particularly on defense. One scout suggested Philadelphia “isn’t good enough defensively” without him. The reigning MVP is working back from surgery on his left knee, but his current nine-game absence stems from soreness in his right knee, raising concerns about consistent availability amid the league’s quicker pace.
George’s fit alongside guards
Observers believe a healthy George complements the guard-heavy roster as a floor-spacing forward who can screen in pick-and-roll action. An Eastern Conference scout questioned whether the 35-year-old will fully embrace a reduced ball-handling role but called the alignment “ideal” if he does.
Despite uncertainty around their two biggest names, league personnel view Philadelphia as a potential top-six team in the East thanks to Maxey’s leap and Edgecombe’s versatility. For now, the organization continues balancing immediate competitiveness with the long-term health of its star duo.
Source: Hoops Rumors
