PHILADELPHIA — As the Philadelphia 76ers take on the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, the focus is on the return of Ben Simmons and remembering his time in Philadelphia. The three-time All-Star spent 5.5 seasons, playing four of them, with the Sixers before he was traded to the Nets.
While many people will focus on his relationship with Joel Embiid and coach Doc Rivers after his time in Philly soured in the 2021 offseason, there should also be a spotlight on his relationship with Tyrese Maxey.
Maxey and Simmons spent one season playing together in Philadelphia before the young man took over the starting point guard in the 2021-22 season amid the Simmons saga and before the trade for James Harden. In his second season in the league, Maxey flourished, averaging 17.5 points and shooting 42.7% from deep with the bigger opportunity.
“I love Tyrese,” said Simmons. “I actually spoke to him a couple of days ago before I got here, but he’s incredible. He’s growing; he’s playing with great confidence. For me, when I see him play, I love seeing him with the ball. I think he should definitely handle the ball a lot more now than he is, but he’s grown. He’s young and I can’t wait to see him in the future.”
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Maxey has a foot fracture that will keep him out for 3-to-4 weeks, so he will miss Tuesday’s matchup with the Nets, but it’s obvious he has the respect of Simmons. They also appear to be close in their relationship off the floor as well.
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