Tyrese Maxey managed just eight points (2-of-10 FGs, 3-of-3 FTs), three rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block in Saturday’s preseason loss to the Celtics.

Maxey has tormented the Celtics in recent years, but he had an off-night from a shooting standpoint, going just 1-of-6 from three-point range as the 76ers were run off the floor by Boston’s relentless bench. The 25-year-old is the force multiplier that will make Philadelphia’s star-studded mix functional this season. It might take some time for all of the piece to settle into the correct slots, but Maxey is going to be the biggest constant from the get-go as the straw that stirs the metaphorical drink. - George Bissell