Nov 20, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) and center Joel Embiid (21) react during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

'He’s the Guy Who Shows Up Every Night' – Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey Draws Huge ‘Leadership’ Challenge From Miami Heat Legend

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 7:56 AM ET

The Philadelphia 76ers are eager to bounce back from their 2024-25 campaign, where they finished as one of the worst teams in the NBA following a 24-58 slate.

They are planning to run it back with the trio of Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey. But if they’re going to make it work, someone different has to lead the team, and Udonis Haslem thinks Maxey could be that guy.

“The talent is there, I have no problem with the talent. But establish your leadership,” Haslem said on NBA Today. “In my opinion, that leader needs to be Tyrese Maxey. I know he’s young, I know it’s a lot to put on his shoulders. He is the guy who shows up every night.

Nov 24, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) controls the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers in the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

“He is the guy who is vocal, and if I’m not mistaken, he is the guy who also challenged Joel Embiid about being present when he needed to be present. So yes, on paper it looks good, but if you don’t have leadership, if you haven’t established that leader in your locker room, I don’t know if you’re successful,” he added.

Philadelphia 76ers re-sign veteran guard after Guerschon Yabusele exit

The Philadelphia 76ers have been fairly busy this offseason. They selected VJ Edgecombe with the third overall pick in this summer’s draft, and they have re-signed Eric Gordon to a one-year veteran minimum contract.

The 36-year-old guard declined his $3.4 million player option to re-negotiate a new deal with Philadelphia. Gordon is highly valued within the organization for his veteran leadership and three-point shooting.

In 2024-25, Gordon averaged 6.8 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting 40.9 percent from three-point range across 39 regular season games (13 starts).