Tyrese Maxey
Tyrese Maxey is one of the young and exciting players to keep an eye on as he has shown flashes of potential last season, especially when he dropped 39 points during his first-ever start. It was the most points scored by a rookie in his first start since 1970, and what was even more impressive is that he did it without any free throws as he took advantage of the opportunity to show what he could do when given extended playing time.
Maxey runs the floor effortlessly as he gives opposing defenses the blues. He’s confident going to the rim, has a nice pull-up jumper to go along with an impressive floater, and is lightning quick on fast breaks. Maxey makes a lot of tough shots and his creativity is one of a kind as he can break down defenders with his ball handling. A very shifty player with a quick first step, Maxey is fast on his feet, has great body control, and can score at will.
Maxey has shown enough to prove that he is worthy of a starting position and would give the 76ers a different look and dynamic in their backcourt. Maxey isn’t anywhere near what Simmons is defensively but he should prove to be a better overall fit on the offensive end playing with Joel Embiid. Imagine Maxey and Embiid playing out of the pick and roll and the damage they could inflict? Maxey is a much better ball-handler than Simmons as he is more of a traditional point guard and could spread the floor with his playmaking ability.
Maxey will be entering his second season but he played like a seasoned NBA veteran last season. As he gets better and gains even more confidence in himself and develops chemistry with Embiid, Maxey should be lights out and become one of the league’s breakout players. Maxey isn’t only in prime position to succeed but he also has shown that he isn’t afraid of the big moment and that the team can depend on him in clutch situations.
Simmons will become an afterthought if Maxey can capitalize on his opportunity and help lead the 76ers on a deep postseason run.