Sixers: Tyrese Maxey should be starting in Joel Embiid’s place
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Sixers All-Star big man Joel Embiid is doubtful for Game 5 after injuring his knee in Game 4. If he is indeed unable to play in Game 5, then Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers has to adjust his starting five.
In an article I recently wrote, I suggested that Rivers should have point guard Ben Simmons start at the center position. In that article, I wrote why both Dwight Howard and Mike Scott shouldn’t start in Embiid’s place. I also suggested that the starting five should have Simmons, Tobias Harris, and three guards.
Two of those guards would be starters Seth Curry and Danny Green, but Rivers has a lot of options for who should be the third guard in the starting five. While there’s plenty of good options, rookie Tyrese Maxey is exactly what that group of starters would need.
The Sixers need Maxey to be in the starting five if Embiid can’t.
More from The Sixer Sense
- 3 Sixers players who could help Team USA Basketball
- 76ers 2k24 ratings: 3 most underrated players on Philadelphia roster
- 76ers head coach Nick Nurse bares lofty plans for Paul Reed this season
- Grade the Trade: 76ers swap Tobias Harris for superstar PG in mock deal
- Sixers Podcast: Danny Green returns + James Harden bombshell
I’m not the only person who holds this view. Check out Paul Hudrick and Kevin McCormick on Coming in for a Landing Podcast, as they speak on it as well.
Up to this point, Rivers has been hesitant to use Maxey in a large role during the playoffs. However, whenever the rookie has played in this series, he’s been a jolt of energy for the 76ers. His energy is something that no one else on the bench has been able to do, which is important.
He’s also the only guard who can create his own shot off the dribble at a high level. Without Embiid in the lineup and Simmons not being aggressive on a consistent basis, the Sixers need another legit go-to scoring option in the starting five.
Outside of that, George Hill has been the steady hand of the second unit and he needs to stay on the bench to keep them in line. Shake Milton has essentially been a non-factor this series and Furkan Korkmaz has been inconsistent in the first round.
dark. Next. “Hack-a-Ben” Simmons can’t continue in postseason
With his energy, shot-making, and consistency, Maxey is the ideal player to replace Embiid in the starting five if the big man is unable to play.