76ers’ Tyrese Maxey Clears Concussion Protocol, Will Play vs. Knicks

According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey has cleared the NBA’s concussion protocol.

Maxey will play against the New York Knicks on Tuesday (3/12). 

Philadelphia 76ers star Tyrese Maxey has cleared concussion protocol and will return vs. the Knicks on Tuesday, sources tell ESPN. Maxey has missed four straight games in protocol. pic.twitter.com/Z9cwqDI9lL

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 11, 2024

Maxey is one of the best young players in the NBA. He’s averaging 26.0 points, 3.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists this season while shooting 44.9% from the field, 37.8% from beyond the arc and 87.1% from the free-throw line. 

The Sixers are 36-28 on the season. They are in sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings. 

Maxey is making $4.3 million this season. He becomes a restricted free agent this summer. As a restricted free agent, Maxey can either re-sign with the Sixers or sign an offer sheet with another team. 

If Maxey signs an offer sheet, the Sixers can match the offer sheet within 48 hours. 

In other Philadelphia news, superstar big man Joel Embiid has started on-court workouts as he makes his way back from knee surgery. Embiid underwent surgery on his left knee to address a meniscus injury after being diagnosed with a displaced flap of his meniscus.

Embiid is averaging 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.8 blocks this season while shooting 53.3% from the field, 36.6% from beyond the arc and 88.3% from the free-throw line. He has 27 double-doubles and two triple-doubles in 34 games.

The Sixers have never advanced past the second round of the playoffs in the Embiid era. Embiid has career averages of 27.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.7 blocks. He’s fourth in NBA history in points per game.

Embiid told NBA reporters on February 29 that he hopes to play again this season. 

“That’s the plan,” Embiid said, via ESPN. “Obviously everything has to go right, as far as getting healthy and being as close as I’m supposed to be. But yeah, that’s the plan.”

Embiid will not win his second straight MVP Award since he will fall short of the NBA’s 65-game minimum to earn postseason awards.