Philadelphia 76ers: Tyrese Maxey needs to be primary perimeter focus

In theory and execution, Maxey taking the reins in the playoffs gives the Sixers their best chances at a shot at winning the Eastern Conference and the NBA Title. This would require Maxey to average 20 points per game, a step up from his current average of 17.4 points.

The situation caters to Maxey’s skills anyway as a score-first point guard playing alongside James Harden and Joel Embiid. He is not the first focus by the opposing defense and he’s improved mightily as a three-point shooter this season.

Maxey is averaging 4.1 attempts from three this year. Yet on low volume, Maxey has improved his 3-point percentage from 30.1 to 43.5, that’s to the tune of being the third best from behind in the arc in the association. Maxey takes 13.2 total shots per game and if he takes more threes the game will open for himself and his teammates.

Just as recently as this week Maxey was firing from 3-point land at will. On April 5th’s 131-122 win against the Indiana Pacers, Maxey made seven of eight 3-pointers in the first half. Hell, it would be considered a win for the Sixers if Maxey took that 3-pointers per game. This game was clearly one where Harden was playing maestro, setting up guys for shots as racked up 14 assists.

Since Harden’s arrival, Maxey has looked like an essential part of the offense most of the time. There were a few games where he seemingly was disinterested to shoot? I don’t know what that was about. Maybe just a blip on the radar. Mainly, Maxey has elevated to another ceiling as he’s 18.5 points, 52.1 percent from the field, and 50.4 percent from three in the 22 games since Harden debuted for the Sixers.