NBA Thanksgiving: What every team should be thankful for in 2021

Atlanta Hawks Trae Young (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Atlanta Hawks Trae Young (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
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NBA Philadelphia 76ers Tyrese Maxey (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)

Philadelphia 76ers: Tyrese Maxey’s emergence as a starting point guard

While the Ben Simmons saga is still ongoing, the Sixers still have a championship mindset on the court.

Simmons’ absence means that former Kentucky guard Tyrese Maxey has taken over the reins as the starting point guard in Philadelphia. Maxey has made his presence felt already, averaging 18.4 on splits of 50/40/85.

Maxey brings a level of offense to the Sixers that has not been at the team’s point guard position in a while, which could allow for the team to make a run come playoff time.

Phoenix Suns: The acquisition of Chris Paul 

I don’t think there’s any question that the acquisition of Chris Paul has absolutely changed the trajectory of the franchise. It led to an NBA Finals appearance last season and it appears they’re well on their way to another deep playoff run, health permitting, this season again.