While the Philadelphia 76ers currently deal with the drama stemming from NBA All-Star Ben Simmons wanting to be traded, a young star could be emerging right before their eyes.
Tyrese Maxey was drafted 21st overall in the first round of last year’s NBA Draft and while he held a limited role on this Sixers team last year, he could be in store for a lot more minutes during the 2021-22 season, especially if Ben Simmons’ hold out continues into the regular season or if he is traded.
The soon-to-be 21-year-old has a chance to have a big breakout second season in the league, especially after a strong showing during Summer League.
Maxey participated in Summer League this offseason and while he only played in two games, he was fantastic, averaging 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and shooting 50% from the floor.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons’ Main Goal With Trade Is To Be No. 1 Option
All offseason long, the young guard has been working on his game and he has drawn the attention of not only the Sixers staff but veteran wing Danny Green as well, who had high praise for Tyrese Maxey during Media Day on Monday.
“He’s special. I’m sure everyone can see that,” Green told reporters. “If he continues to do what he does, he can be a really special player in this league. He carries himself like a star, and I believe one day he will be.”
For a player who averaged just 15.3 minutes per game last season with almost all of his time coming off the bench, this is really high praise for Tyrese Maxey coming from Danny Green, who has not only won three championships but has played with some terrific superstar talents over the course of his career in Tim Duncan, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis and now Joel Embiid.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons’ Main Goal With Trade Is To Be No. 1 Option
All five of those players are perennial All-Star talents and for him to say that he sees similar “star-like” traits in Maxey is extremely high praise for the second-year guard. Last season, we saw glimpses of Tyrese Maxey’s full potential, but he was not on the court long enough usually to make an impact.
