We continue our look back at the 2020-21 season for the Philadelphia 76ers by going through the roster and looking at their season. After looking through the starting lineup, we turn our attention to the bench unit as we take a look back at the season had by the electric rookie guard.
Tyrese Maxey slid to the Sixers at No. 21 in the 2020 NBA draft, and he immediately made an impact out on the floor. Philadelphia needed a player who could create his own offense, and he showed that skill almost instantly while also making big improvements all season.
2020-21 season averages
8.0 points
1.7 rebounds
2.0 assists
46.2% overall percentage
30.1% from deep
Maxey stepped onto the floor, and he was not afraid of the bright lights of the NBA. He consistently penetrated to the basket, showed off his floater game and displayed a nice pull-up jumper. As the season went on, he made improvements getting to the basket more consistently while making huge strides on the defensive end. That work ethic will suit him well in the league for a long time.
Maxey was thrown into some tough situations. The weirdest came on Jan. 9 against the Denver Nuggets when the Sixers were forced to play with only seven players. Taking on one of the bigger title contenders in the league, Maxey dropped 39 points with seven rebounds and six assists in a predictable loss. For his efforts, Maxey earned a lot of respect from NBA legend Dwyane Wade.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_ZZIwiwNS8
Then came the playoffs where the 20-year old rookie showed off more mental toughness. While having the usual up and downs as a rookie, Maxey averaged 6.3 points and he shot 33.3% from deep in the playoffs. He scored in double-figures in four of the 12 games he played in with the biggest game coming in Game 6 against the Atlanta Hawks on the road with 16 points and seven rebounds.
Heading into the offseason, Maxey needs to continue to develop. He needs to add more to his offensive game, specifically in the jumper area, and then continue to make strides on the defensive end as well. He has a bright future in the league as long as he continues to work as hard as he has.
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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