The Philadelphia 76ers are at a crossroads. After a season derailed by injuries to their biggest stars, which saw them miss the playoffs for the first time since 2017, the franchise is searching for a clear path forward. With superstar center Joel Embiid dealing with injuries year after year, many wonder if the team’s championship window has closed.
But what if the franchise’s future is already on the roster, ready to take the lead? For many NBA insiders, that future has a name: Tyrese Maxey.
3 Reasons Tyrese Maxey Should Be The Face of The 76’ers
Here are three reasons that Maxey should be the next face of the 76ers franchise.
- Maxey is already one of best guards in the NBA.
Despite being only 24 years old, Maxey is already considered one of the top 20 players in the NBA. His talent was highlighted by winning the NBA’s Most Improved Player award in 2024 and playing in the 2024 All-Star game. With an ability to blow by any defender in the league or create great shot opportunities for his teammates, Maxey has proven over the last couple of seasons that the 76ers are at their best when the ball is in his hands.
The numbers back up his impact. The 76ers have won 56 percent of the games Maxey has started since he became a full-time starter in the 2021–2022 NBA season. During this stretch, the 76ers racked up 51 wins and 31 losses in the regular season while making the playoffs for four consecutive seasons until last year.
- Every year, Maxey gets better.
Besides being one of the best players in the NBA before even entering his prime, another big reason Maxey should be the undisputed face of the 76ers is that the young guard has improved statistically each season.
Since entering the league in 2020, Maxey has improved his scoring average every year, highlighted by averaging 26.3 points per game in 52 games last season.
Maxey’s constant improvement and ability to come up big on the biggest stages are more reasons why he’s ready to be the face of the franchise now. His averages of 29.8 points, 6.8 assists, and 5.2 rebounds in the 2024 playoffs perfectly illustrated this.
- Multiple Sixers single out Maxey’s vocal leadership
Maxey has taken on a more vocal role this preseason to guide the 76ers’ young roster. At 76ers media day a couple of weeks ago, Maxey talked about setting a standard and holding people accountable throughout the organization.
Even though the 76ers has not looked great in the preseason, Maxey’s leadership has earned praise from his teammates. Veterans like Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, and Maxey’s backcourt mate, Jared McCain, have commended the young star on his improved vocal presence in practices and after games.
When you put it all together, the case is clear. Maxey is the best all-around player on the roster. He’s in the middle of a five-year, $204 million deal he signed last summer and is fully committed to the organization. The time is now to make him the face of the franchise. He’s constantly improving, his best basketball is yet to come, and he wants to be a 76er. What else could you ask for from the face of your franchise?
