Tyrese Maxey's rise has been spectacular. Due to his exciting trajectory, the Sixers now rely on Maxey to contribute heavily in scoring and playmaking -- hence why he led the league in minutes per game throughout the 2025-26 season. The burden on this young man's shoulders is unsustainable. However, the selection of Labaron Philon Jr. allows the Sixers to take the rock out of Maxey's hands and concentrate on devastating his opponent with his explosive off-ball movements.
Labaron Philon Jr. immediately addresses the 76ers' depth fiasco
Mike Gansey began the new era of the Philadelphia 76ers by opting to bolster the franchise's backcourt depth -- and it was an extremely wise choice. The 76ers selected Philon with the 22nd overall pick in this year's draft process. Not only does this pick add to the squad's young core, but it also provides Philadelphia with an exciting backup option that can help ease the heavy load Maxey has been carrying.
Due to the electric partnership Maxey and VJ Edgecombe struck during the 2025-26 season, it will be a difficult prospect for Philon Jr. to establish his place in the starting lineup immediately, but that does not necessarily mean he can't become a vital part of the team's identity.
Bench production was an area in which the Philadelphia 76ers severely lacked last season. An overreliance on star players has become a common theme in the franchise's recent history. Under Gansey, the front office must add depth that can make a positive impact on the game and allow Maxey to have longer periods of rest. If college performances are anything to go by, Philadelphia's newest rookie is a great start to this line of thinking.
Over 33 appearances last season, the 20-year-old averaged 22 points, five assists, and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting 50.1 percent from the floor and 39.9 percent from deep. Of course, his scoring statistics are an exciting read for Sixers fans, but his playmaking will be the biggest asset to Nick Nurse.
Maxey will benefit from less playmaking responsibility
There is no denying that Tyrese Maxey has significantly improved his eye for a pass. A career-high 6.6 assists per game highlighted that the 25-year-old has the attributes to dictate an offense in various ways. Nevertheless, just because someone knows how to play with Lego doesn't make them qualified to build the next Death Star.
That takes a highly skilled Imperial Engineer with a knowledge of planet-destroying technology. Playmaking is a similar and more realistic concept.
While Maxey has made strides in his playmaking, the Philadelphia 76ers are a better team when his main priority is aggressively pursuing a bucket. Maxey is a far more dangerous proposition when he makes smart off-the-ball plays to create separation to fire off a shot or drive to the basket. This can only happen if the 76ers recruit a player who relieves Maxey from his playmaking burden.
Again, VJ Edgecombe is capable of running an offense, but much like his backcourt partner, it is not his natural game. Adding Philon Jr. to this relationship creates a dynamic in which both Edgecombe and Maxey can shift their focus to chalking up points.
This is not to say that Tyrese Maxey should not be allowed to participate in running plays. But if the Kentucky alum wishes to make another leap and propel himself into MVP conversations, he must concentrate on the area that makes him so dangerous -- and that is scoring the ball. The Philadelphia 76ers' decision to draft Labaron Philon Jr. could prove to be a pivotal moment in Maxey's career.
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