While the Philadelphia Sixers aren’t newcomers to the NBA’s pressures, the 2023-24 season offers a mix of veteran experience and budding talent. Notably, by season end, eight players, including stalwarts like Patrick Beverley, Danny Green, and P.J. Tucker, will be 30 or above.
Yet, the heartbeat of the team may well lie with their younger contingent, especially within the guard positions.
Young Guards Taking Center Stage
Anticipation bubbles around the upcoming training camp at Colorado State University, primarily due to the potential of the Sixers’ young guards. Let’s break down these prospects:
- Tyrese Maxey (22) and De’Anthony Melton (25) are undeniably the most spotlighted.
- Jaden Springer, just turned 21, brings additional promise.
- Terquavion Smith (20) and Ricky Council IV (22), both rookies, have been turning heads.
- On Exhibit 10 contracts, the Sixers have brought in David Duke Jr. (23) and Javonte Smart (24), both promising additions.
Maxey’s Journey under Coach Nurse
The appointment of Nick Nurse as the head coach brings a fresh perspective, especially in molding young talents like Maxey. Nurse’s introductory press conference shed light on Maxey’s potential role:
The Sixers aim for Maxey to gain more experience with pick-and-roll maneuvers, enhance his decision-making, and broaden his gameplay strategies. Additionally, they hope he’ll leverage his remarkable speed to be a more frequent defensive challenge for adversaries.
From this, it’s evident that Maxey’s agility and on-ball skills are at the core of Nurse’s game plan.
Melton’s Established Defensive Prowess
De’Anthony Melton, entering his sixth NBA season, is no stranger to the game’s defensive demands. His credentials from the last season are evident in one standout statistic: Melton’s 126 total steals were second only to OG Anunoby, a past pupil of Nurse.
Melton’s role in the team, especially in tandem with Maxey, will be pivotal. If James Harden isn’t on the initial playing roster, Melton might seamlessly fit into the starting position. His adaptability was on full display last season, proving his worth in diverse game situations.
A peek into their camaraderie reveals another facet:
“People thought that we would be beefing or whatever, because of us being in and out of the (starting) lineups. But literally, on the team, we’re really good friends — best friends, if you want to say. We cheer each other on in any circumstances. I get on him for not being aggressive. He gets on me for not being aggressive.” – Maxey
Their mutual drive and aspiration for victory is evident, showcasing a partnership that’s bound to benefit the Sixers.
Performance Analysis: Maxey-Melton Combo
Diving into the stats from the 2022-23 season, the duo’s performance wasn’t entirely groundbreaking. With a plus-1.5 net rating over 1,651 possessions, there’s definite room for improvement.
| Performance Metrics | Rating/Count |
| Net Rating (2022-23) | +1.5 |
| Total Possessions | 1,651 |
However, diving deeper, there are reasons for optimism:
- Many of the lineups that struggled included Harden, which may have been a defensive liability due to mismatch targeting.
- The defensive potential of a Maxey-Melton backcourt, especially with Melton’s impressive 6-8.5 wingspan and defensive rebounding skills, is undeniable.
- In a small sample of 180 possessions, a lineup with Maxey, Melton, Tobias Harris, PJ Tucker, and Joel Embiid had a +17.2 net rating. An even smaller playoff sample — 42 possessions — showcased an incredible +50.0 net rating.
What’s Next? The Harden Hypothetical
James Harden’s position in the team, though not confirmed, presents various tactical options. Whether he’s on the court or not, Nurse’s strategy might pivot towards a more aggressive, high-intensity gameplay, potentially utilizing both Melton and Beverley.
Springer’s Development
Another potential standout, Jaden Springer, is carving his niche as a formidable defender. Heading into his third NBA season, refining his shooting technique and decision-making will be crucial. A comment he made about his approach is telling:
“I feel like in the G League Finals, I was just going out there and competing. I just wasn’t worried, I was playing hard, and was just trying to do the right things. I feel like if I do that, everything should be good.” – Springer
With Terquavion Smith and Ricky Council IV likely to showcase their mettle in the G League, surprises might be in store regarding their NBA breakthroughs.
To Conclude
While the future remains unpredictable, one thing’s for sure: the Maxey-Melton partnership, bolstered by the strategies of Coach Nick Nurse, promises an exciting season ahead for the Philadelphia Sixers. Whether it’s the vets or the young guard duo, the 2023-24 season looks poised for thrills!
