Sixers: 3 adjustments they’ll have to make without Joel Embiid
3 adjustments they’ll have to make without Embiid: Start Tyrese Maxey
Howard shouldn’t start, but it’s clear that Tyrese Maxey should be the fifth starter in Embiid’s place. I wrote about it in the past, but I didn’t do a good enough job in that article explaining why he makes the most sense as a starter.
He didn’t start Game 5 against the Washington Wizards but he ended the game and was the fourth most important player that game. In 26 minutes, he finished with 13 points, six rebounds, two assists, and one steal, while going 6-14 from the field. He was also a plus-14 which the second highest on the team behind Simmons.
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He and Simmons also work as a duo for the Sixers. Per 100 Possession, Maxey and Simmons are a plus-18.8 this postseason. When Maxey is with the rest of the starters minus Embiid, that group is a plus-21.1 per 100 Possession in the playoffs.
Spacing won’t be an issue for having Maxey in the starting five. He’s shooting 40.0 percent on 3-pointers this postseason. Having two dynamic playmakers like Simmons and Maxey who can play off each other will certainly help against a solid defense as the Hawks have had in this postseason.
As I said in the most recent episode of The Sixer Sense Podcast, I believe Maxey should be a starter next season, and having him start in the postseason now is a good starting point for him.