From PhillyVoice · · 3m
How LeBron James will transform Tyrese Maxey's game
Maxey helped recruit LeBron to Philly. Now the all-time leading scorer will change how the Sixers guard plays.
In brief
Maxey helped recruit LeBron to Philly. Now the all-time leading scorer will change how the Sixers guard plays. Playing with LeBron James will allow Maxey to diversify his offensive game, spending more time off-ball as an elite catch-and-shoot threat rather than constantly handling the ball. Originally reported by…
Sixers land LeBron James
New Sixers President Mike Gansey traded Paul George, acquired Jaylen Brown from Boston, then landed LeBron James to form a championship contender.
Maxey recruited LeBron to Philly
Tyrese Maxey, the 21st pick in 2020, was central to recruiting the NBA's all-time leading scorer to Philadelphia.
Maxey's breakout sixth season
Maxey averaged 28.3 points per game in his sixth NBA season, earning his first All-NBA honor in the process.
His role is about to change
After three years on the ball constantly, Maxey will see his role shift significantly playing alongside LeBron James.
LeBron's history with star guards
James has a notable history of brilliant partnerships with star guards like Dwyane Wade and Kyrie Irving.
Screening actions will be key
James tortures defenses with screening actions involving guards, forcing impossible choices between leaving shooters open or giving James driving lanes.
Maxey can screen for LeBron
Maxey has been a willing screener, but now he'll screen for James and Brown, both far more deserving than any forward he's played with before.
LeBron as the screener
When James screens for Maxey, defenses must decide whether to let him become a 4-on-3 playmaker, creating impossible matchups.
“LeBron James will be the best short-roll and 4-on-3 passer in the NBA on the Sixers.”
James will boost Maxey's efficiency
Playing on the ball constantly for three years prevented Maxey from showcasing his elite off-ball skills. That changes now.
Elite catch and shoot threat
Maxey is an elite catch-and-shoot player who will finally get those opportunities in bulk alongside James, an all-time drive-and-kick player.
Movement shooting like Curry
Maxey will be weaponized as a movement shooter around screens, creating chain reactions that open easier scoring chances for the Sixers.
Still plenty of ball handling
Maxey will still handle the ball frequently, especially when James is out. But his methods of attack will diversify significantly.
Will Nurse reduce his minutes
Maxey led the NBA at 38.0 minutes per game. He may not lead again, but don't expect a dramatic drop under Nick Nurse.
Nurse leans on his stars
Maxey has never logged fewer than 37.5 minutes per game under Nurse. With James and Embiid resting often, Maxey remains an everyday cornerstone.
Lighter minutes, not fewer
The real question is intensity, not total minutes. Getting Maxey off the ball more will make his minutes lighter, helping him stay fresh all season.
The short version
Playing with LeBron James will allow Maxey to diversify his offensive game, spending more time off-ball as an elite catch-and-shoot threat rather than constantly handling the ball.
