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The Philadelphia 76ers had themselves a big draft night on Wednesday. They made three draft picks, and they pulled off two big trades. The moves were made to help build a much better supporting cast around stars Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.
One addition was Kentucky guard Tyrese Maxey, taken at No. 21 in the first round. That Maxey slipped to Philadelphia was surprising. He has lottery talent, but his slide was due, perhaps, to the fact he shot only 29.2% from deep in college. Team president Daryl Morey doesn’t see it that way.
“I was thrilled because I think teams tend to fix in on weaknesses instead of celebrating strengths,” Morey explained. “He was a top USA basketball guy, and it was a year where you could maybe find more value with the very limited views because obviously, the college season didn’t finish. Historically, guys with his pedigree coming in who play at an effective level on a top team, you’re putting yourself in a really good spot to get a player who can help over time.”
Morey added he is not too concerned with Maxey’s low shooting percentage. As a guy who is big on analytics, Morey added the team did some measurements, and they believe he can become a good shooter at the NBA level.
“People are really fixated on his shooting, but the reality is two things,” Morey explained. “One, we do a lot of things to try and look at mechanics and look at other measurables to see how he will shoot in the pros, and we strongly believe Tyrese will shoot better than the number that sticks next to his name. We’re optimistic on his shooting.”
Morey then focused on the fact Maxey is a guy who can use his athleticism to get up and down the floor and play well with Simmons. That will please both Morey and coach Doc Rivers who wants the team to play much faster.
“We were excited to have such a blue-chip prospect there, top 10 in high school, I like guards who can guard multiple positions and he can do that,” added Morey. “Doc really wants to get out in transition, that’s a focus of Dave Joerger as well, and Tyrese has a history of that. The overall package outside of that, he’s just a guy you get in the lottery and to get him at 21 and at a position of need, we’re very excited about that.”
Outside of the poor shooting percentage, Maxey fits everything else the team needed. It needed another perimeter defender. It needed another athlete. He brings some swagger to the team, and his athleticism is another welcomed addition.
It also helps he has a bit of a chip on his shoulder.
“I always play with a chip on my shoulder, because that’s just who I am,” said Maxey. “I’m extremely grateful for where I ended up. I feel like it’s a great opportunity for me and I’m very thankful to Philly for giving me this shot and I’m going to go out there and give 110% and give it my all and make sure that it’s not a regret.”
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