Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
Before the James Harden trade, the Philadelphia 76ers were playing some really good basketball and were already bound to be a top 4 team in the Eastern Conference. The blockbuster addition only solidified their standing.
However, Tyrese Maxey was a big part of the Sixers’ pre-Harden success. With Ben Simmons away from the team, the Sixers needed Maxey to make a significant jump in just his second season in the league. And that’s exactly what he managed to do.
Maxey ended the year averaging 18 points, four assists, and three rebounds per game on 49 percent shooting from the field and 43 percent shooting from 3-point range. Even though he’s a bit of a liability on the defensive end, it’s his lightning-quick ability on the offensive end that will allow him to shout out in the postseason.
If the Sixers make a deep playoff run, Maxey will be a big part of it.