Nick Nurse Highlights 76ers' X-Factor Ahead of NBA Playoffs

It's not rising star Tyrese Maxey, according to the veteran coach.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:48am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball court scene, with players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes in a rich color palette, conveying the strategic complexity of the playoffs.Coach Nurse sees an unsung hero emerging to power the 76ers' playoff push beyond just their young star Tyrese Maxey.Philadelphia Today

The Philadelphia 76ers had an up-and-down regular season, dealing with roster changes and suspensions, but still managed to secure a playoff spot. As they prepare for the postseason, head coach Nick Nurse has identified a key X-factor for the 76ers - and it's not their young star Tyrese Maxey.

Why it matters

The 76ers have high hopes for a deep playoff run, but they'll need contributions from role players and complementary pieces beyond just Maxey to make a championship push. Nurse's assessment of the team's X-factor could provide valuable insight into how the 76ers can maximize their potential in the playoffs.

The details

The 76ers drafted promising rookie V.J. Edgecombe, but also had to part ways with veteran Jared McCain. They also played multiple games without All-Star Paul George due to a suspension. Despite the roster changes and challenges, the 76ers managed to secure a playoff berth, setting up a potentially deep postseason run.

  • The 76ers had an up-and-down regular season leading up to the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
  • The 76ers drafted V.J. Edgecombe and parted ways with Jared McCain during the offseason.

The players

Nick Nurse

The head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, known for his strategic acumen and player development skills.

Tyrese Maxey

The rising star guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, who had a breakout season and is expected to be a key contributor in the playoffs.

V.J. Edgecombe

A promising rookie drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers, who could provide valuable depth and complementary skills to the team's playoff push.

Jared McCain

A veteran player who was previously on the Philadelphia 76ers roster but had to be let go during the offseason.

Paul George

An All-Star player for the Philadelphia 76ers who missed multiple games due to a suspension during the regular season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We know Tyrese is going to be a star, but there's another guy on this team who I think is going to be the X-factor for us in the playoffs.”

— Nick Nurse, Head Coach, Philadelphia 76ers

The takeaway

The 76ers have a talented roster, but Coach Nurse believes there is a key complementary piece beyond just Tyrese Maxey that could be the difference-maker in the playoffs. This suggests the team has depth and versatility that could give them an edge in the postseason.