Philadelphia 76ers star Tyrese Maxey has had to take on a much larger role than expected in the 2024-25 season as the Sixers have dealt with injuries to Joel Embiid and Paul George. Not only has Maxey been able to produce on the floor, but he has taken a huge leap forward as a leader.

The Philadelphia 76ers were without Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey for their Wednesday night showdown against the Brooklyn Nets, but Paul George was in the lineup which meant they still had a guy with a max contract on the court when they lost by four.

Without Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey available, the Sixers were paced by 30 points apiece from Kelly Oubre Jr. and Quentin Grimes. George made one of his seven shots on the night.

Originally drafted 23rd overall by the 76ers in 2022, he was shipped on draft night with Danny Green to Memphis for De’Anthony Melton. Roddy has played 162 games in three seasons with the Grizzlies, Phoenix and Atlanta, averaging 6.3 points and 17.2 minutes. He joins Chuma Okeke on 10-day deals.

The Nets handed the Joel Embiid- and Tyrese Maxey-less Sixers their fifth consecutive defeat on Wednesday night. In a long list of discouraging Sixers performances this season, this one ranks high on the list -- with one player's brutal showing standing out among many. Here is what stood out from the Sixers' horrid 100-96 loss in Brooklyn:

Paul George’s debut season with the Philadelphia 76ers hit a new low point in the team’s 100-96 loss to the Brooklyn Nets. Without Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in the lineup, George went scoreless in the first half and ended with just two points.