Heading into this NBA season, more and more Sixers fans are raising their expectations for the Philadelphia 76ers’ young players. They’re right to have those expectations too.
Tyrese Maxey, Isaiah Joe, and Paul Reed, the three selections from the 2020 NBA Draft, have all come into this preseason and shown exactly what they can bring to this Sixers team. Fans can already see results from what work they put in during the off-season. Doc Rivers already spoke on this group’s devotion over the summer.
“It’s the hardest working low-minute group I’ve ever been around,” said Rivers, per Noah Levick of NBCSPhilly.
Sixers fans should expect this group to earn their way into the 76ers rotation this season, likely even into the postseason. They have already begun to show that they are reliable NBA players, which will be huge for a team with over $100 million in cap space going to three players this year. They will need contributions from their draft picks. Luckily for Philly, each member of this class brings an element to this Sixers team that it lacks.
Sixers should expect more from second year players.
Maxey is a lightning quick guard who is already refining his scoring efficiency and playmaking. He has a chance to be the best Sixers guard at creating his own shot since Jimmy Butler, hold for maybe Seth Curry.
Joe has exploded out of the gates this year and is already looking the part of an elite shooter, averaging four threes per game in the preseason. His defensive potential and ball-handling should be what really intrigues Sixers fans.
Reed is a high-energy, athletic player that is showing a lot of two-way promise. Reed brings size and rebounding that other power forwards on the Sixers roster just don’t have, a trait they’re going to need.
There are opportunities for this young group to play a huge role all season. Sixers fans should be starting to get very excited about what these players can add to this group. Here’s exactly what they can expect this upcoming year.