Recently I wrote about how the Philadelphia 76ers‘ new backcourt can be dangerous in the playoffs. However, in that article, I didn’t feel like I dove into enough content on why they can be successful in the present and in the future.
James Harden is a perennial All-Star and MVP. Maxey on the other hand is only on his second season and has yet to establish himself as a top-tier guard despite the potential of doing so. Yet despite being in separate stages of their careers, they can mesh very well.
Maxey and Harden complement each other for the Sixers’ present and future.
Let’s be realistic, in some ways these guards have overlapping skills sets. Both can create for themselves and others off the dribble. They also both need the ball in their hands to be the most effective in scoring the ball.
That will cause problems initially when they first take the floor together and that’s ok. That’s what the rest of this regular is for. However, there are some differences in their play styles that will help their fit as well.
They can take turns of who will be the lead guard throughout the game, especially when they first start playing together. Both are capable of playing off the ball for short sports as well. In a way, their partnership should help grow their abilities to play off the ball.
As Harden continues to age, there’ little doubt that he’d become an even more willing facilitator and off-ball shooter. Maxey’s youth and natural scoring ability will help offset Harden’s aging. In essence, Maxey should be reaching prime will help offset Harden’s decline. It’s a foolproof plan by the Sixers’ front office.
Before that happens, Maxey can continue to grow as a playmaker with Harden as backcourt mate. Maxey doesn’t have natural playmaking skills, but learning from Harden will go a long way in his development.
Once Maxey and Harden figure out how to play with each other, the Sixers will be better for in the short term and the long term.