Even though he has only played four seasons in the NBA, Tyrese Maxey has found success with the Philadelphia 76ers in this part of his career. In turn, Los Angeles Clippers’ James Harden has used the young guard as an example to inspire hoopers hoping to make it big someday.
Maxey’s impressive performance last season earned him the NBA’s Most Improved Player award, despite facing stiff competition from Coby White of the Chicago Bulls. Despite lofty preseason expectations, His rise to stardom was not entirely foreseen. He took on a larger role as the Sixers’ primary sidekick to Joel Embiid after James Harden’s trade request, and he excelled in that responsibility.
The 76ers guard’s scoring explosion, coupled with significant improvements in his playmaking and defense, made him a deserving recipient of the award. He set new career highs in points, assists, rebounds, three-pointers, steals, and blocks per game, while maintaining exceptional efficiency with a low turnover rate. His development as a passer and his two-man chemistry with Embiid were particularly noteworthy.
The argument for Maxey as the league’s most improved player rests on the fact that he was a non-lottery pick who has developed into an All-Star-caliber player, which is more surprising than a top-10 pick like White emerging as a solid starter. His ability to seamlessly transition into the primary ball-handler role, in the absence of Harden, was also a crucial factor in his case for the award.
James Harden Cites Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey As Example to Inspire Hoopers
Just recently, Harden was seen participating in a basketball camp filled with aspiring hoopers. In a video shared by ClutchPoints on X, the Los Angeles Clippers’ star said they should emulate what Maxey has done in his career.
James Harden: “I got the pleasure & opportunity to be with Tyrese [Maxey] 2 years ago. He work his a*s off. What did you just sign for?”
TM: “$204 million.”
JH: “Bank! Cherish it. Put the work in. The results will pay off later.”
(via @ricohinesbball)pic.twitter.com/HAuPDlvpGf
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 13, 2024
During his first year in the league, Maxey averaged 8.0 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. Those numbers jumped last season to 25.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists for the 76ers, making him worthy of the Most Improved Player award.
Harden’s acknowledgement of Maxey validated the latter’s emergence in the league. With the league set to come back in a couple of months, a lot of eyes will be on the Philadelphia guard to see if his star will continue to rise.
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