The Philadelphia Seventy-Sixers made the pick of a lifetime during the 2020 NBA draft
20 year old basketball star Tyrese Maxey, the 21st overall pick, joined the team at 6 foot 2. While Maxey was ready to play for University of Kentucky for multiple seasons, his plans were brutally interrupted by COVID-19. Maxey graduated in the top 5% of his high school class and thrived in college; it did not seem to be the right fit for him. He was redirected after just one season at Kentucky and declared in the NBA draft. Little did anyone know, he could change the program entirely.
“Without Tyrese, we don’t win that game,” Embiid said proudly after a game against the Atlanta Hawks.
This was Maxey’s rookie season in 2020, the first time he proved his potential in desperate times. While the Sixers were down substantially in the first quarter, they made a comeback with a win by 5 points. The comeback would not have been possible without Maxey’s 16 points and 7 rebounds, as his teammates found themselves in foul trouble early on. Fans and his coach Doc Rivers had some concerns about his play, but they knew it was an easy fix. In his first season on the Sixers, Maxey averaged 8 pointers per game, leading them to victory in numerous situations.
The 2023-2024 season is different from the rest. Maxey recently reached a career high with 50 points in a game against the Pacers, making it the Sixers’ 8th straight victory. When MVP Joel Embiid was out in the recent game against the Houston Rockets, Maxey was sure enough one of the main contributors to their 131-127 point win. His hard work is being seen due to the fact that the Sixers are currently ranked 3rd in the Eastern conference with a record of 22 and 9.
Throughout his past 3 seasons on the Sixers, Maxey has proven his unlimited potential in the NBA.
Standing at 6 foot 2, the unstoppable guard has averaged 27 points and 6.7 assists in the current season. He is a fan favorite, to say the least. Rather than working plays around Embiid the entire game, the two have been working extremely well together, incorporating the other players as well.
With new coach Nick Nurse gaining positive feedback around his team, trades, and more, the Sixers are predicted to continue to thrive and improve. With new teammates Kelly Oubre and Patrick Beverly playing phenomenally, the team has been working together and working around each other like they never have before.
Fans have commented that Maxey will be a “Sixers legend”, and one of the players that was destined to stay in Philly throughout his career. He constantly displays his personality within games themselves and post game interviews, causing him to gain publicity as the star player. He has shown to have a great sense of humor and dedication to the game, beyond the belief of the fans. His humble attitude reels them even closer to him, feeling the positivity with every point secured. A network recently made a laughable side note that Maxey has a new highlight every other play.
He is the player that the team has been in search of for years: quick on his feet, energy to fill the court, unstoppable shots. The team will undoubtedly continue to surprise Philadelphia more each season, as long as they have Maxey’s help. His young age gives him a step above all others. Maxey is the future of basketball, and the future of Philadelphia.
