As this new Philadelphia 76ers team has rounded into form as one of the top teams in the league, many have wondered who the team leader is. LeBron James and Jaylen Brown joined the team with significant playoff experience and Finals MVPs, but Joel Embiid is the longest-tenured member of the starting five and won an MVP in the 2022-2023 season.

But according to Jaylen Brown, the clear-cut leader of the team is simple.

“Maxey’s been leading the way, 100%,” Brown said. “He’s been here, this is his team. Him and Joel have been here for a while, so the mindset has been to compliment those guys. I’m finding my footing, but Maxey’s been leading the way for sure.”

Tyrese Maxey has had a phenomenal start to the season, through nine games, averaging 29.1 points per game, 5.3 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.8 steals, while shooting 50.3% from the field and 83% from the free-throw line.

Article Continues Below

LeBron James has also been complimentary of Maxey, speaking highly of him following Philadelphia's NBA Cup opening win against the defending champion New York Knicks.

“It's been great. Obviously ultra energy, ultra respect. He gets the respect from his peers, respect from his teammates, and for me as the elder statesmen, I just try to give him all the gem and the knowledge to continue to improve his game each and every day,” James said postgame to Prime Video. “I mean he's already damn good, but I think he wants to be legendary so hopefully I can pass something down to him.”