Sam Cassell hints to what Tyrese Maxey is working on

Now that the Sixers have officially re-signed James Harden, the front office has concluded the majority of its offseason business. With the front office’s job essentially done at the moment, if the Philadelphia 76ers are going to improve anymore this offseason, it’s going to be because of the personal improvements made by the players’ offseason training.

It can be argued that Tyrese Maxey is one of the hardest-working players on the roster. With that being written, Maxey has been putting in work with 76ers assistants Sam Cassell and Spencer Rivers, (son of head coach Doc Rivers).

Maxey working in key areas of his game with Sixers assistants.

In a recent interview, Cassell revealed some of the areas that Maxey is focusing on this offseason, per Noah Levick of NBCSPhilly.

“This kid, he’s going to develop an 18-foot, mid-range game off the dribble. … It’s all about just him being comfortable with it. He shot 40-something percent from the three-point line. And we want to improve that stat…”

These areas of improvement are key for Maxey to take the next area of improvement. With Harden’s return to Philly, Maxey’s playmaking isn’t essential. Maxey’s already a solid defender as well so expanding his offense makes sense.

Maxey was already playing near an All-Star level once Harden was traded to Philly. After the All-Star break, he averaged 18.7 points and 3.5 assists, while shooting 48.0 percent from the 3-point line. Adding a mid-range jumper might be the thing that could push his skill set to an All-Star level. It would also give the Sixers another player who can be a reliable option at the end of games.

Continue emphasis on his 3-point shot is important as well. Let’s remember he’s only had one season of good three-point shooting in his young career. With teammates like Harden and Joel Embiid, having a strong 3-point shot is essential in becoming a complementary third-star.

If Maxey does make significant strides in these areas, the Sixers have a real chance to win it all next season. He would become the third All-Star on that team behind Embiid and Harden. Hopefully, Cassell and Rivers can help Maxey achieve that level of play.