Maxey’s Case as the Sixers’ No. 1 Option Starts With More Than Scoring

NBA.com reports that Tyrese Maxey might be the Sixers’ No. 1 option on a team of MVPs. That possibility puts the focus on offensive responsibility rather than reputation. Philadelphia’s latest record is 5-1, with a two-game winning streak, and Maxey’s latest season averages offer a strong argument for why he belongs at the center of that conversation.

Start with the scoring: 27.7 points per game across 81 appearances. That is a substantial offensive contribution over an extensive schedule, not merely a brief burst. His 46.1% shooting from the field and 36.6% from three provide context for that production. Neither percentage alone settles who should lead the offense, but both belong alongside the scoring average when evaluating his case.

The more revealing number may be his 6.5 assists per game. Being the first option need not mean being the final shooter every time. Maxey’s combination of scoring and assists supports a broader interpretation: a player whose offensive responsibility can include both getting points and creating opportunities for others. His 4.1 rebounds per game round out that statistical profile.

The distinction is between a compelling case and a settled hierarchy. Philadelphia’s 5-1 mark does not establish who deserves every important possession. But Maxey’s production makes the idea of prioritizing him a serious basketball argument—not simply a challenge to the status of MVP teammates.