Ecstasy: an overwhelming feeling of joyful excitement. A definition that perfectly describes what the Philadelphia 76ers fan base felt internally as James Harden would compose a perfect symphony of assists for his superstar partner in crime, Joel Embiid. Nevertheless, the elite playmaker would eventually relocate to the Los Angeles Clippers, leaving the Sixers with a lack of creative options to fill this playmaking void -- a void that Tyrese Maxey is now plugging.
During his brief layover in Philadelphia, Harden manufactured one of the most devastating partnerships in recent history with Embiid. The telepathic chemistry the pair created was a major contributing factor in Embiid being crowned the 2022-23 NBA MVP, as the dominant center averaged an outrageous 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists.
Behind Embiid's scoring tear was one of the greatest playmakers that the league has ever witnessed. Harden recorded 10.7 assists per game during the 2022-23 season. This relationship began to create a championship buzz around Philadelphia. Alas, a contract dispute between Harden and Morey would result in the former Houston Rockets guard forcing a trade out of the 76ers.
Fans heavily criticized Morey's decision to let the superstar escape the franchise's grasp without having a ready-made replacement who could produce similar results with Philadelphia's star player. However, now another player is stepping into that role and is poised to elevate his teammates to previously unforeseen heights.
Maxey's majestic playmaking development
Tyrese Maxey has shown throughout his career -- even when partnered with Harden -- that his scoring capabilities are far superior to most. But one aspect of his game has always been considered underwhelming: his ability to make plays for his teammates. Now, this is far from a concern for the 76ers.
The electric guard's rise to prominence in Philadelphia's offensive game plan has ensured that Maxey will carry the ball up the court on a high percentage of his team's plays. Last season, his decision-making when bursting into a clogged-up painted area would result in him hoisting up an inefficient shot, which would fail.
Times have changed for the 25-year-old as his eye for a pass is far more evident in these situations. In contrast to the previous season, Maxey now possesses the ability to make a split-second decision in various situations, allowing his teammates to find themselves an open shot.
This year, Maxey is now averaging a career-high 7.1 assists per game. Most impressively, Maxey has recorded 30+ points and 10+ assists on 11 occasions so far this campaign. Not only does this show that his playmaking ability has evolved, but his contribution in the scoring column has not been negatively affected as this area of his game improves.
James Harden and Joel Embiid's partnership was arguably one of the greatest spectacles that the NBA has ever witnessed on a court. Sixers fans were not wrong to criticise Morey's decision to allow Harden's elite creative skillset slip through the net. However, Tyrese Maxey's uptake in effective playmaking shows that in the long term, Philadelphia's general manager made the correct call.