After a rookie season that saw opportunities in the rotation come and go, Tyrese Maxey has seen a drastic increase in playing time this year. Following an ugly standoff between Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers this past summer, the team found itself with a glaring hole in its starting lineup.

With minimal ball handlers on the roster, Doc Rivers chose Maxey to be the new full-time starting point guard. The Sixers knew this experiment would be a work in progress, but the second-year guard has managed to hold his own through the first half of the season.

Despite being a natural score-first guard, Maxey has adapted nicely to embracing a more traditional point role. The 21-year-old is averaging 4.7 assists per game on the year, a drastic increase from his rookie campaign. This rapid development would not be possible if not for Maxey's gym rat mentality and the resources he has at his disposal.

When it comes to grooming a young guard, no coaching staff is more equipped than the Sixers. Not only was Doc Rivers a former point guard in the NBA, but assistant coach Sam Cassell was as well.

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Dating back to the offseason, Maxey and Cassell have built a strong relationship. On a nightly basis, you can see Cassell in Maxey's ear walking him through games on both sides of the floor. Throughout his coaching career, Cassell has built a reputation of being among the best when it comes to player development. Maxey is the latest addition to the long line of guards he has helped take the next step.

Following the Sixers' nail-biting win over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, Maxey touched on how Cassell has helped him this season.

“Sam [Cassell] is always on me about knowing when to shoot and when to pass. He says you've got the hardest job in the league. You play with Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris, you know? Guys who need the ball. But we also need you to score. Need you to be yourself, but we also need you to get them involved. It's going to be tough, but we believe in you,” said Maxey.

This concept has been the most challenging for Maxey as he finds his way in the Sixers' starting lineup. While more is being asked of him as a playmaker, the team still wants him to utilize his scoring abilities. The primary goal for Maxey is finding a happy balance between scorer and facilitator.

When Doc Rivers assembled his coaching staff last year, many circled Cassell as the X-factor addition. His track record speaks for itself, and Maxey's growth is a testament to that. With the added responsibilities put on the second-year guard's plate, Cassell has become an essential piece to the Sixers' success behind the scenes. If any assistant coach in the league is going to untap Maxey's potential, it's Cassell.