PHILADELPHIA — Young Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey is one of the rising stars in the NBA. Just 22 years old and in his fourth season in the league, Maxey is on his way to being a perennial All-Star and All-NBA performer.
As the Portland Trail Blazers visited the Wells Fargo Center on Sunday, Blazers coach Chauncey Billups had a great deal to say about Maxey. Billups, a former NBA point guard and 2004 finals MVP with the Detroit Pistons, has been impressed with the young guard.
“I haven’t watched him that much other than just scouting their team this year, but I loved what he was able to do last season, and watching their prep for this game here is like his confidence has taken a different leap,” Billups said of Maxey. “He’s shooting the ball with so much confidence and, obviously, he’s a real attacking, aggressive guard.”
Maxey had 26 points, knocked down four 3s, shot 10-for-10 from the foul line and corralled 10 rebounds as the Sixers knocked off the Blazers 126-98 in the home opener. Joel Embiid had a monster game: 35 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists and six blocks, but Billups believes Maxey is the one the Sixers need to succeed.
“He’s the straw that stirs the drink here,” Billups added. “Obviously, Embiid is the guy, he’s the man, he’s MVP. I think Tyrese makes this team go. They feed off his toughness, his energy and just his spirit. I think he’s the guy here. I love to see young guys really find themselves and when you do, the rest is history. We’ll see how good he can be. I love his ascension.”
Through the first three games of the season, Maxey is averaging 30.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists while shooting 56% from deep. It has been an impressive start for him, and Philadelphia is doing just fine without James Harden.
[lawrence-related id=85561,85564,85558]