Tyrese Maxey believes the Sixers‘ offseason additions will turn them into a legitimate title contender, writes Isabella DiAmore of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Veteran forward P.J. Tucker is among the league’s toughest defenders and was part of a championship team in Milwaukee. Danuel House offers similar skills, while De’Anthony Melton brings depth and versatility to the backcourt.
“I think they’ll definitely help us with mental toughness,” Maxey said. “I think they’ll also help with just the physical toughness. The grit and the grind that we need to bring to our team and also, I think guys like P.J., he’s gonna bring the championship mentality. I think we’re really going to appreciate him for that. Training camp and an entire season together is going to be nothing but good things.”
Philadelphia’s prospects will depend heavily on Maxey, who made a huge jump during his second NBA season, averaging 17.5 points, 4.3 assists and 3.2 rebounds in 75 games. The 21-year-old guard has set his sights even higher for 2022/23.
“I think other people tell me they have confidence in myself that just builds my confidence,” Maxey said. “My confidence comes from just being in the gym, working out every single day, watching film, and then having success on the court, so for (president of basketball operations Daryl) Morey to have confidence in me, and my teammates, as well as the organization, it just makes me want to go out there and give them my all.”
There’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- Appearing this week on the Vince Carter Show podcast, Sixers coach Doc Rivers said tampering allegations against the team are “not true.” (Hat tip to James Foglio of Basketball Insiders). The NBA is investigating the Sixers for “early contact” with Tucker, as rival teams believed he was certain to sign with Philadelphia before free agency officially opened. The team was able to create cap space to give Tucker a three-year, $33MM contract because James Harden was willing to opt out of his deal and re-sign for less than the max. “Honestly, when James did this and said this … first of all, we didn’t know what we were going to do with the money we were getting,” Rivers said. “And listen, James won, too, because James could’ve opted into a one-year deal. Instead, we gave him (two) years. And so both parties won in a lot of ways.”
- Sportsbet has listed the Raptors as the highest-valued sports franchise in Canada, relays Denette Wilford of The Toronto Sun. The nation’s only NBA team is reportedly worth $2.2 billion, a number that has grown by more than 400% over the past decade.
- In case you missed it, Celtics star Jayson Tatum talks about his successful partnership with Jaylen Brown, and Grant Williams speculates on how it would feel to be included in a Kevin Durant trade.
Considering Sixers didn’t give up anyone for PJ or House. You have to say they were good moves. Instantly adds depth. And PJ knows Hardens gm. And he will only help Embiid down low. Of course they need the real Harden. And another step up for Maxey. For them to be true contenders.
Sixers best chance are the next two yrs. And the East is top heavy now. So it’s not going to be easy.
Rivers says allegations of tampering “aren’t true”. Huge surprise!
So in his eyes they weren’t a legitimate contender? I really do like Phillys roster but their biggest concerns are what they’re going to get from the top 2 spots on said roster. Embiid has shown to be very consistent on the court but you’re always going to be concerned about health (I guess unless you’re Doc Rivers leaving him in a blowout play off game but I digress). Then you have Harden. 4 years ago that would have been something to really be happy about. As of today however, Im not sure that he’s a guy you hang your hat on to lead this team. He’s known to have poor work ethic and is in general only concerned with himself.
Long story short: If Embiid is health and Harden puts on his big boy pants the 6ers are a top 3 team in the East. If Embiid is hurt and Harden does his Harden thing the 6ers are a play in team. Place your bets
I’ve never heard anyone say Harden has a poor work ethic.
You’re kidding. Do people with good work ethic show up to camp with a giant beer gut and stripper glitter in their hair? C’mon man
I’ve heard it more than a few times…
Maxey is a one-dimensional scorer… he was basically able to explode to the basket and get some easy points. Teams will continue to have difficulty with him getting cheap points cause harden and embiid are there, but to say Maxey brings anything special, is way overstating his contribution.
Maxey shot 43% from deep last season, what in the world are you talking about?
Very impressive. Norm Powell did the same. Both are one dimensional scorers despite a good year shooting 3s; explode to the basket and get a quick 2 pts. Good role players, don’t get me wrong. Nothing special, tho, and Maxey only had 1 good year. Still need to see a trend.
That said, I just hope the Philly fans don’t destroy him when Embiid chokes in the play-offs next year :)