PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers have found a new star duo to rely on: Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. In the past, the Sixers have used Ben Simmons and James Harden next to Embiid. After the shortcomings that arose with those two, Philadelphia is relying on Maxey.
The 23-year-old in his fourth season in the league has not disappointed. Maxey has been terrific, averaging 26.6 points, 6.9 assists and 4.8 rebounds.
“He’s just understanding the pace of the game,” Embiid said on Monday after a win over the Los Angeles Lakers. “Like tonight, I never felt like we got rushed. Especially, in our two-man action. Throwing me the ball, passing it back, if it’s right there, take it. If it’s not, throwing it back, and just keep playing the game. I think that’s what is he’s really getting better.”
Embiid has had several pick-and-roll partners in his career. Whether it was Simmons or Harden or even JJ Redick, who executed dribble handoffs with Embiid at a high rate due to his elite shooting ability.
Maxey and the big fella have worked on their dribble handoffs, and it has been working beautifully.
“It kind of reminds me of what me and JJ had,” Embiid added. “That combination. Obviously, he’s better just attacking the rim. He can put it could put it on the floor and he’s a great shooter. So that’s a great combination, but I think just his patience has been — and accepting what the defense has been given him and just going from there. Taking whatever is available.”
The reason for the dribble handoffs and Embiid operating from the nail on the offensive end of the floor is it makes life easy for Maxey. That is the whole goal for Embiid on the offensive end when it comes to their two-man game.
“I’m just trying to make the game easy for him,” said Embiid. “Most of the time, I’m not a hard roller that’s gonna go out and catch a bunch of lobs and stuff. So I can compensate that with just holding the screen. Just freeing him up and just making sure that we’ve got some space to get some separation from his defender. Honestly, my whole thought process is just try to get him better and try to help him get easy looks and we’re gonna keep doing it.”
The Sixers begin a two-game road trip when they take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday.
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