When the Philadelphia 76ers assembled their star-studded roster during the offseason, one question immediately emerged: How would a team featuring LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey manage to keep everyone happy with just one basketball?
Nine games into the season, Maxey believes he already has the answer. And it starts with LeBron James.
Following Philadelphia’s 112-106 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night, Maxey explained how the four-time NBA champion has helped establish an unselfish mentality throughout the organization, setting an example that his teammates have been eager to follow.
The 26-year-old recalled a conversation with Embiid during the team’s first day of training camp, when the Sixers’ willingness to share the basketball immediately caught his attention.
“We was moving the ball,” Maxey recalled. “And I looked at Joel. I said all the ego stuff and the one ball stuff that we hear, it’s going to be okay.”
His reasoning was remarkably simple.
“LeBron’s here and he has made everybody willing passers,” Maxey explained. “When LeBron can be a willing passer, the rest of us can too.”
“LeBron’s here and he has made everybody willing passers,” Maxey explained. “When LeBron can be a willing passer, the rest of us can too.” https://t.co/1i5AGfWzwf
— OpenCourt-Basketball (@OpenCourtFB) November 5, 2026
It is an interesting observation from a player who has spent several seasons carrying significant offensive responsibilities in Philadelphia. With James and Brown joining a roster that already featured Maxey and Embiid, questions about touches, shot distribution and individual sacrifices were inevitable.
But rather than creating competition for offensive opportunities, James’ arrival appears to have encouraged a more collective approach.
The 41-year-old has spent much of his career controlling games through his extraordinary combination of scoring and playmaking. Now, in his 24th NBA season, he is demonstrating that his greatest contribution might not always involve putting points on the scoreboard himself.
Wednesday’s victory provided another example. James finished with 13 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, while Brown led Philadelphia with 30 points and Embiid contributed 26 points and 15 rebounds.
Maxey, who celebrated his 26th birthday, endured his least productive scoring performance of the young season, finishing with 19 points on 5-of-16 shooting. Nevertheless, he added seven assists and helped the Sixers secure their eighth victory in nine games.
Philadelphia’s 8-1 start is especially impressive considering the considerable adjustments required to accommodate several established stars. Maxey also revealed that he has been studying film of James’ Cleveland years alongside Kyrie Irving, looking for ways to benefit from playing next to one of basketball’s greatest passers.
The relationship between Maxey and James extends beyond their current partnership. The two have trained together during several offseasons, and their longstanding friendship played a role in James choosing Philadelphia.
Now, the younger guard is learning another lesson from his veteran teammate: Talent alone doesn’t guarantee chemistry.
Of course, nine games are hardly sufficient to determine whether Philadelphia has solved every potential challenge associated with its roster construction. Maintaining that balance throughout an 82-game season and into the playoffs will provide a considerably greater test.
But Maxey’s comments suggest the Sixers have already addressed one of their biggest preseason concerns.
When the most accomplished player in the locker room willingly sacrifices individual opportunities for the team, it becomes considerably harder for anyone else to justify doing otherwise.
