The Philadelphia 76ers could return to the NBA Finals for the first time in 25 years if everything is planned for next season.
Along with Joel Embiid, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain, the 76ers have one of the league’s most talented rosters.
The biggest problem they have recently been their health. In particular, Embiid and George have been suffering from injuries for several years.
But Miami Heat legend Udonis Haslem believes the superstar duo has another issue that could stop them from fighting.
Haslem is a solid player for Prime, winning three championships with the Miami Heat (2006, 2012, 2013).
However, he is well known for staying on the hot roster in his late 30s and early 40s in his mentorship role.
Haslem knows what it takes to be a great leader in the NBA and doubts that Joel Embiid and Paul George have it among them.
The 45-year-old believes Maxey needs to step up and assume leadership responsibility for next season in order for the 76ers to succeed.
“I’m talented,” Haslem said. “I have no issues with talent, but I will establish your leadership. Who will you follow in the locker room? Who will be the voice?
“It’s not going to be Joel Embiid. He’s not going to play every game. Not everyone can do what Joel Embiid does.
“Is it going to be Paul George? We’ve seen it before. We saw him with the Clippers. He’s not a leader. He’s a great player, but he’s not a leader. You need to establish a leader.
“In my opinion, that leader should be Tailese Maxie. I know he’s young and it’s a lot to put his shoulders on, but he’s the one who shows up every night. He’s a guy who practices every day. He’s a guy who doesn’t speak up.
“Yes, it looks good on paper, but without leadership, I don’t know if I’ll succeed.”
The Philadelphia 76ers have made several moves this offseason so far. They selected VJ Edgecombe for the third overall pick in the NBA Draft.
The 19-year-old averaged 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.1 steel in Baylor’s 33 games last season, quickly bolstering the 76ers’ bench unit.
They also welcomed center John Bloom in the second round, with Hunter Saris picking up as an undrafted free agent to strengthen the roster.
Eric Gordon returned to Philadelphia on a one-year contract after scoring seven points per game at around 41% from the 3-point line last season.