The Sixer Sense
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5 Things 76ers must immediately do if James Harden doesn’t report to camp

By Tyler Watts

Philadelphia 76ers, James Harden. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia 76ers, James Harden. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia 76ers, James Harden
Philadelphia 76ers, James Harden, Tyrese Maxey. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Make Tyrese Maxey the PG

Maxey is an elite shooter who continues to improve. He averaged over 20 points per game on outstanding shooting efficiency last season, and it is time for the 76ers to find out if he can become a superstar lead ball-handler or is more of a score-first weapon. Is Maxey more Tyler Herro or Damian Lillard?

Philadelphia won’t find out until they put him in that role. Maxey’s playmaking took a step back last season as James Harden dominated the ball, but he averaged 4.3 assists in his second NBA season. Can he get it to five or 5.5 each night? If so, Maxey could become a star.

For the 22-year-old to make his first All-Star appearance, he must run the offense or improve his defense. As an undersized point guard, his defense will be average at best, but his offensive game could take a massive leap.

New head coach Nick Nurse and the Philadelphia 76ers should turn the keys to the offense over to Tyrese Maxey. They are not trading James Harden for another lead playmaker, which means Maxey must run the show in his fourth NBA season. Can he take the next step? Doing so is the key to the Sixers finally breaking through and reaching the conference finals.