As the Philadelphia 76ers wind down the 2021-22 season, there are only three games left before the playoffs begin on April 16, now is the time to think about individual awards for the season. Obviously, Joel Embiid is in the running to win MVP, but what about any of the other Sixers?
Second-year guard Tyrese Maxey is in the conversation to win the Most Improved Player award as he has taken some really big steps in his second season in the league.
Faced with the big challenge of taking over the point guard spot from Ben Simmons on a team that wants to contend for a championship, Maxey didn’t blink. He averaged 16.9 points and 4.6 assists before the All-Star break and helped the Sixers remain at the No. 3 seed.
Then, with the addition of James Harden, Maxey had to change positions again and he is averaging 18.3 points and shooting 49.1% from deep since Harden joined the team at the All-Star break.
“It’s a strong case,” said coach Doc Rivers. “Just look at his numbers and what he’s done. I’m at a disadvantage because I don’t watch everyone else. So I don’t know who else is involved in that. I can’t imagine anyone having much of a better year than him considered from last year.”
As a rookie, Maxey averaged 8.0 points, 2.0 assists, and 1.7 rebounds while shooting 46.2% from the floor and 30.1% from deep. In his second season, those numbers have jumped to 17.3 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 48.2% from the floor and 42.9% from deep.
Naturally, numbers will go up with more experience and more playing time. Maxey averaged 15.3 minutes as a rookie compared to 35.5 in his second season, but the clear improvement is something that impresses Rivers in building the case to win the award.
“We see it every day,” Rivers added. “We see his confidence, just look at his shooting alone. He’s become a knockdown 3-point shooter in one season. He’s finishing better at the basket. He’s 20 years old, however he is, and he’s just gonna keep getting better.”
A guy like Maxey is able to make the improvements he has made due to the hard work he puts into the game on an everyday basis. When a player puts in the constant work, then the results come with it.
“Because he works and he’s humble,” Rivers finished. “He’s high character. Veterans love young people when they act that way. That’s universal probably at every workplace in the world. When you have all those characteristics, you’re pretty much going to fit in.”
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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