Philadelphia 76ers star Tyrese Maxey has high praise for the team's young core, particularly second-year players Justin Edwards and Adem Bona, who stepped up in a big way during the 2025-26 season.

The Sixers finished with a solid 45-37 record and battled their way to the second round of the playoffs—no small feat given the injury challenges that once again tested the roster's depth. But it was the contributions from these rising talents that made the difference.

Adem Bona appeared in 71 games with 18 starts, posting averages of 4.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. While fouling remains an area for improvement, Maxey was impressed with how the young center adapted to changing roles throughout the season. "Bona played so many different roles—when Joel played, when Joel didn't play. He started sometimes, and he was really good, man," Maxey said. "I saw growth in his game. He got more comfortable out there. Starting three games in the playoffs? That's not a given. That's big time."

Justin Edwards, meanwhile, caught fire in March with an eight-game stretch where he averaged 15.4 points, including a 32-point explosion in a road win over the Sacramento Kings. He shot 40% from beyond the arc during that span, stepping up when the Sixers were missing Paul George, Maxey, and Joel Embiid. "Justin's mental approach and his ability to stay ready all season really stood out," Maxey noted. "Last year, he was kind of up and down. This year, I could tell he stayed locked in."

For a team that relies on veteran stars, having young players like Edwards and Bona ready to contribute is exactly what the Sixers need to build sustained success. Their growth this season has given Philadelphia a promising foundation for the future.