There were multiple former Kentucky basketball players who were finalists for NBA awards this season. While some of them came up just short of winning, guard Tyrese Maxey has won two awards in this awards season.
Last month, Maxey was awarded the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. He increased his scoring this season by five points per game. In addition, his assists per game number jumped by almost three per game.
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On Thursday, Maxey added another trophy to his case, winning the NBA Sportsmanship award. The award honors the player who best represents the ideals of sportsmanship on the court.
Maxey was the Sixers nominee, as each team chooses one player. The list is then narrowed down to six finalists, and current plays vote on the winner. Maxey beat out Kevin Love of the Miami Heat, who finished second. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was also a finalist.
At Kentucky, Maxey played just one season, but averaged 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. He was drafted by the 76ers with the 21st overall pick in 2020. He is representing Kentucky well so far.
congrats to our guy, @TyreseMaxey, on winning his first NBA Sportsmanship Award! 🥹🏅 pic.twitter.com/nSxkQRKmyV
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) May 16, 2024