Sixers mailbag: Breakups, Tyrese Maxey’s role, and Montrezl Harrell questions

What’s up, Peeps?

The 76ers are in San Antonio to face the Spurs on Friday night at the AT&T Center. This game will be a rematch of San Antonio’s 114-105 victory on Oct. 22 at the Wells Fargo Center.

But that game seems likes decades ago, considering how much the Sixers (33-17) have improved since dropping to 0-3 after that defeat to the rebuilding Spurs. Meanwhile, San Antonio (14-38) has lost seven straight games and 15 of its last 17.

» READ MORE: Joel Embiid named NBA All-Star reserve as expected, while Sixers teammate James Harden is snubbed

For the Sixers, this game should be nothing more than a tuneup for road games against Atlantic Division rivals New York Knicks (Sunday) and Boston Celtics (Wednesday).

We’ll definitely learn more about the Eastern Conference’s third-place Sixers after their showdown with the first-place Celtics (37-15). We’ll also find out if the Sixers will make a move prior to Thursday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline.

In the meantime, I’ll answer a few of your questions.

Missed out on the party? No worries. Submit questions for next time by tweeting @PompeyOnSixers with the hashtag #PompeysMailbagFlow.

KP: What’s up, Thiago? I see you’re not beating around the bush in regards to asking questions.

Daryl Morey, the Sixers president of basketball operations, has a lot of tough decisions to make ahead of the trade deadline. He has to evaluate the roster and possibly make upgrades as he sees fit in preparation for a championship run.

In regards to the Thybulle, I wouldn’t trade him. As you pointed out, his defensive pairing with Embiid is one of the best in the NBA.

» READ MORE: Sixers center Joel Embiid is NBA’s Eastern Conference player of the month

Some will point out that Thybulle is averaging career lows in points (2.7), rebounds (1.2), assists (0.5), steals (0.9), blocks (0.3), and minutes played (12.1). His reduced production and role are the result of the Sixers deeming him non-essential at the beginning of season.

But he’s produced when given the opportunity. And the Sixers are 18-4 when he plays at least 12 minutes, including 10-0 when his minutes increase to 20 or more.

So I wouldn’t part ways with Thybulle, especially considering the two-time, second-team All-Defensive selection is the team’s best perimeter defender.

KP: I appreciate the question, man. But my answer is no. Maxey is the team’s second-best perimeter player before future Hall of Famer James Harden, and it isn’t even close.

But the Sixers are 15-4 when they go with their current starting lineup of Tobias Harris, P.J. Tucker, Embiid, Harden and De’Anthony Melton. The Sixers are 3-5 when they start Harris, Tucker, Embiid, Harden and Maxey.

The starting backcourt of Maxey and Harden has been a defensive liability. Maxey’s move to the bench came after Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the duo on Jan. 12.

» READ MORE: Matisse Thybulle, no longer untouchable, drawing interest from Warriors and Kings

The Sixers benefited defensively when at least one of the guards was sidelined. Melton shined in the starting lineup as a three-and-D defender. As a result, the Sixers defense rose to one of the best in the league with Melton or Thybulle in the lineup.

I don’t think this is a long-term solution for the Sixers. Maxey has proven that he’s a starter in the league. He just needs to focus on improving defensively this summer. That would enable him and Harden to be paired together in the starting lineup.

KP: Thanks for the question, Pisqeuets. I think things could end up being situational for Harrell and Reed. However, I do think the Sixers will try to acquire a backup center via a trade or in the buyout market. Nothing against Harrell and Reed, but they’re undersized. The Sixers will need a taller, traditional center to protect the rim and grab rebounds and be insurance in case Embiid gets injured.