Inside Sixers: Maxey Targets Three-Point Crown Amid Fallout from Paul George’s 25-Game Ban
PHILADELPHIA – In a week defined by jarring contrasts for the Philadelphia 76ers, the franchise finds itself balancing the celebratory ascent of Tyrese Maxey with the destabilizing loss of Paul George. As the team navigates the aftermath of the trade deadline—which saw the emotional departure of rookie standout Jared McCain—Maxey’s invitation to the 2026 NBA Three-Point Contest serves as a lone bright spot in an otherwise turbulent stretch.
Maxey’s All-Star Weekend Mission
Tyrese Maxey has officially accepted an invitation to the NBA Three-Point Contest in Los Angeles, looking to add hardware to his expanding résumé. Maxey, averaging 29.4 points per game, will compete against a loaded field that includes Devin Booker, Donovan Mitchell, and controversial entrant Damian Lillard, who has not played this season due to injury.
For Maxey, the event is more than an exhibition; it is a validation of his transformation into one of the league’s premier high-volume shooters. However, his participation comes with inherent risks. With the Sixers’ rotation decimated by absences, the heavy burden on Maxey’s legs during the regular season raises valid concerns about fatigue. Critics might argue that rest would be more valuable than competition for the guard, who must now carry the perimeter offense almost single-handedly for the next six weeks.
The Paul George “Suspension Plan”
The atmosphere in Philadelphia remains heavy following the NBA’s announcement of a 25-game suspension for Paul George due to a violation of the Anti-Drug Program. George, who cited “improper medication” taken for a mental health issue as the cause, is not eligible to return until March 25 against the Chicago Bulls.
Inside the front office, the “plan” has shifted from title contention to survival and financial maneuvering.
The Roster Void: The Sixers are now 10-10 in games without George this season. To mitigate his loss, head coach Nick Nurse is expected to heavily increase usage for Kelly Oubre Jr. and potentially lean on two-way contracts to fill wing minutes.
The Financial Silver Lining: In a twist of cold pragmatism, the suspension provides the organization with significant cap relief. George will forfeit approximately $11.7 million in salary, creating a tax credit that drops the Sixers from roughly $7 million over the luxury tax apron to just $1.3 million over. While this helps the bottom line, it offers little solace to a fanbase desperate for a deep playoff run.
Roster Shakeup: The McCain Departure
Compounding the emotional toll was the deadline decision to trade rookie Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Sources “Inside Sixers” describe a tearful goodbye, with teammates expressing shock at losing the popular young guard. The move, paired with the departure of veteran Eric Gordon, signals a dangerous gamble: the Sixers have thinned their backcourt depth just as they lost their starting small forward.
Background and Playoff Implications
The Sixers currently hold a 73.6% chance of making the postseason, but their path has narrowed significantly. With George sidelined until the final 10 games of the regular season, the team risks slipping into the volatile Play-In Tournament. The burden now falls squarely on Joel Embiid, who has looked dominant recently but has a worrying history of wearing down under excessive workloads.
While the organization frames the next month as a “next man up” opportunity, the reality is stark. The Sixers must tread water without their $212 million wing, hoping that when George returns in late March, there is still a season worth saving.
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