Sixers’ Patrick Beverley addresses Tyrese Maxey’s defensive work

New Philadelphia 76ers guard Patrick Beverley is looking to make a big impact in his new home. He has been in the NBA for 11 years, and he has seen it all at this level.

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The Sixers could use a veteran leader on the perimeter to help Tyrese Maxey on the floor. While Maxey is one of Philadelphia’s main scorers, his work on the defensive end could use some work.

However, is defense really important when a guy is averaging 20.3 points and shooting 43.4% from deep? If one asks Beverley, the answer is no.

“I don’t think it’s about growing defensively,” Beverley told reporters when asked about Maxey. “You get a young player and he becomes so good at one thing that you want him to be great at another. Like nah, (expletive) that. Continue being good at what you’re good at. Put the ball in the hole.”

Of course, basketball is played at both ends. Coach Nick Nurse has challenged Maxey to be better on the defensive end. That is where Beverley could come in and push his new teammate in the right direction. However, as long as Maxey is putting up points, Beverley can take on more of the defensive responsibility on the perimeter.

“You do that job so everyone else is defenders so my job is to make sure he puts the ball in the hole at a higher rate,” Beverley added. “Obviously, pick your points defensively, but that’ll come with time.”