Tyrese Maxey is rapidly becoming recognised as one of the most dangerous scoring guards in the entire NBA. The Philadelphia 76ers are well aware of this fact and have ridden Maxey's hot hand to the point of exhaustion, as they have had few competent options to turn to allow their star man a period of rest. However, Jared McCain has rediscovered his offensive rhythm after a lengthy layoff, which provides the Sixers with a rotational piece they have been desperate to find.
Maxey is establishing himself as the primary offensive option of the Philadelphia 76ers, even when Joel Embiid is available for selection. The 25-year-old is averaging 32.5 points and 7.5 assists per game, but it is another statistic that has been a concern for many Sixers fans.
Over the 20 regular-season games that he has featured in, Maxey has recorded an average of around 40 minutes per game. No athlete could sustain this usage without being destined for a season-ending injury, or their performance levels nosediving to unknown depths.
Due to an unforgiving list of injuries, head coach Nick Nurse has had little alternative but to use Maxey in this manner. Fortunately for the 76ers, a familiar player is finally providing a much-needed solution.
McCain's return to form is essential
As pristine as Tyrese Maxey's performances have been, a return to form for Jared McCain provides quality depth at the guard position. Despite the veteran pairing of Eric Gordon and Kyle Lowry returning to Philadelphia on one-year deals, Nurse has opted to restrict their role in the rotation and rely on Maxey to inspire his teammates.
The 76ers' most recent 102-121 triumph over the Washington Wizards evidently showed that the head coach has more faith in McCain making a winning contribution in Maxey's absence -- unlike his older colleagues.
McCain featured for 25 minutes during the victory, recording 14 points, five assists, and an impressive point differential of +37. More importantly, due to Philadelphia's lead staying intact without Maxey on the floor, the Kansas graduate was able to recuperate on the bench for a significant period of time.
For the first time during this campaign, Maxey featured for less than 30 minutes (29). This reduced role in the rotation did not hinder his ability to provide the Sixers with some valuable points that would eventually propel the side to victory. The explosive guard racked up 35 points, six assists, and four steals.
Times are changing in Philadelphia. The Joel Embiid era is in the rear-view mirror, and Tyrese Maxey is now wearing the crown of the face of the franchise. Jared McCain's return to form will only ensure that the Sixers' newest superstar is not burdened with the same level of responsibility as Embiid, preventing a similar injury-plagued fate.