For several seasons now, The Philadelphia 76ers Star Joel Embiid has been a mainstay in the MVP conversation, eventually winning the award in 2023 after finishing second to Nikola Jokic in two consecutive seasons.
Due to the NBA’s new 65-game rule, Embiid was ineligible for MVP honors last season. Looking ahead to 2025, another member of the Sixers’ big three has been discussed as a possible surprise pick to win the title.
There are still about two months left until the start of the next season, the people of Bleacher Report has compiled a list of players who could be MVP candidates. Among those mentioned are players like Paolo Banchero, Stephen Curry and Zion Williamson. Another player who has been mentioned is Sixers point guard Tyrese Maxey.
That’s why Maxey may be the Sixers’ most likely MVP winner. The All-Star guard has reached the 65-game threshold in two of his last three seasons, while George has only reached it once in the last five years and Embiid only twice in his 10 NBA seasons.
If Maxey posts similar numbers to last year (25.9 points, 6.2 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game) and is the only Sixers star to reach 65 games, he could be the team’s MVP favorite by default.
With their new team, the Sixers have the potential to become one of the best teams in the NBA next season. That said, it will likely take another big step for Maxey to enter the MVP conversation.
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The Sixers now have another All-Star caliber player on the team in Paul George, so Embiid and Maxey will have to sacrifice some touches this year. It will be for the good of the group, but it could also lead to a slight drop in production from both All-Stars.
Maxey is certainly talented enough to emerge as an MVP-level player as he gets closer to his prime, but for now, being an underdog is the most realistic outcome for him.
