3 reasons to be excited about the 76ers for the 2022-23 season

3 reasons to be excited about the Philadelphia 76ers for the 2022-23 season

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 06: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Miami Heat during Game Three of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Wells Fargo Center on May 6, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Heat 99-79. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 12: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Charlotte Hornets at Wells Fargo Center on October 12, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

2. The continued evolution of Tyrese Maxey

Philadelphia landed Maxey with the No. 21 overall pick back in the 2020 draft and that looks like a steal as the former Kentucky star heads into his third season as a pro. He emerged as a solid starter for the 76ers last year and he’s got a chance to take another leap that could see him become this team’s third star.

Maxey will be forced to play off-the-ball when he shares the floor with Harden, but look for Rivers to hand Maxey the offensive keys in the second unit. That’s where his ability to bomb three-pointers can really help Philadelphia extend leaves against opposing benches.

It’s unreasonable to think Maxey is going to shoot 42.7 percent from behind the arc again this year, but the key for Philadelphia will be for him to increase his attempt rate. He only got 4.1 attempts per game last season which is a modest total for a player with his sweet shooting stroke.

Rivers and his coaching staff will be thrilled if Maxey can push that total north of six attempts per game this year in an effort to put more pressure on opposing defenses. If he can do that while keeping his 3-point field goal percentage in the high-30s it will make Philadelphia nearly impossible to guard. Maxey’s continued evolution should be a big talking point for the 76ers this year.