Vince Carter believes Sixers have player options to fill in injured James Harden’s shoes: “It's time to see Tyrese Maxey take it to another level”

Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey has been off to a sensational start this season. With the latest injury news surrounding James Harden, Maxey will be asked to take his game to another level.

The 76ers organization announced on Thursday that Harden is expected to miss a month with a right foot tendon strain. It's a tough blow for a team still struggling to find its groove. Philadelphia (4-5) started out the year slow, losing its first three games of the season.

Since then, the 76ers have battled their way back, winning four of five before falling 121-111 to the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night. One of the bright spots of the year so far has been the standout play of 21-year-old guard Tyrese Maxey.

Maxey has taken a considerable leap in his development in his third season. He's averaging 24.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 46.8% from 3-point range.

"Now it's time to see Tyrese Maxey take it to another level," former NBA player Vince Carter said on the "VC Show." "And then, Tobias Harris, this is your opportunity, you've kind of been pushed down to fourth option, Well, this is your chance to kind of, once again, audition for the rest of the league as well.

"So, I think the Sixers are in good hands, and I think it all starts with Maxey making things easier for Joel Embiid."

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Philadelphia 76ers look for Tyrese Maxey to step up in absence of James Harden

Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey

Every year that Tyrese Maxey has taken to the court for the Philadelphia 76ers, he's taken strides in his development. Now that James Harden is expected to miss time, the team will need him to turn it up even more.

Maxey has always had the potential to be a dangerous offensive weapon. He has the ability to score from multiple levels with relative ease. A dangerous threat from outside, Maxey's 3-point shooting has given the 76ers a huge boost.

The 76ers will now need Maxey to pick up the load in areas other than just scoring. Harden was off to an impressive start this season as well. He was averaging 22.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg and 10.0 apg. The team will need someone to step up as a playmaker in his absence.

Philadelphia was viewed by many as a sleeper to make noise in the Eastern Conference this season. If the Sixers want to prove themselves, they are going to need to take care of business with their superstar sidelined.

The 76ers will have their first test on Friday night when they hit the road to take on the New York Knicks (3-4). From there, Philadelphia will have a couple of challenging opponents on the horizon. The team will face the Phoenix Suns (6-1) on the road before a pair of games against the Atlanta Hawks (5-3).