(Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
NBA analysts were giving the Philadelphia 76ers a post-mortem on Friday morning after the team was eliminated from the playoffs by the New York Knicks.
On “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith gave his opinion, saying that the team needs to hold onto Joel Embiid but also has to change its focus and build around Tyrese Maxey.
“Tyrese Maxey is the face of this franchise. Maxey deserves max dollars,” Smith said.
.@stephenasmith believes the 76ers franchise needs to revolve around Tyrese Maxey
“Tyrese Maxey is the face of this franchise. Maxey deserves max dollars.” pic.twitter.com/rQCgcIS9s7
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 3, 2024
Smith claims that Embiid is still a vitally important part of the team and a generational talent but it’s Maxey who should be at the center of Philadelphia’s plans.
Embiid has a number of problems that flare up again and again.
Just this year, he was on the sidelines a lot due to injuries, including one that limited him during the playoffs.
As for Maxey, he is coming off the best season of his career.
He averaged 25.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists a year.
He was an All-Star in 2023-24 and also earned Most Improved Player of the Year.
During the playoffs, Maxey came alive even more, having multiple strong showings, such as the jaw-dropping Game 5 performance of 46 points and 9 assists with two amazing three-point shots.
Maxey showed he can lead the team, even when Embiid is lacking.
In Smith’s mind, both players should be on the roster but the 76ers need to shift gears and put more of an emphasis on Maxey.
That might be a tough pill for Embiid to swallow, as he has been the centerpiece of the franchise since joining the NBA.
But he needs to accept that his physical ailments limit him and the coaching staff has to do what is best for the team.
The playoffs raised a very interesting question for the 76ers: Who will be leading the team when 2024–25 begins?
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