Philadelphia 76ers rookie Tyrese Maxey has had a wild start to his NBA career. He fell all the way to 21 in the 2020 NBA draft after being projected as a lottery pick, he had to miss the first week of training camp after testing positive for COVID-19, and then made his debut on Tuesday.
He did not see any action until the fourth quarter, but he was a big reason why the Sixers were able to hold off the Celtics in the win. He had eight points on 4-for-6 shooting with three assists and he looked poised out there.
“I think the main takeaway I had from this game is I can play at my own pace,” Maxey said. “I dictate the pace offensively. On the ball, Ben (Simmons) told me I don’t have to play too fast or too slow. I can play at my own pace. I think that was my biggest takeaway from today’s (Tuesday) game.”
Simmons has been impressed with the rookie’s work ethic as he has been working out with Maxey out in Los Angeles since May. What transpired on Tuesday night was nothing new to the All-Star out of LSU.
“He dominated once he got the jitters and the excitement out of the way,” Simmons said. “He slowed the game down and got to what he has been working on. I’ve seen him numerous hours doing those floaters and working on his game. To me, it’s not a surprise but it’s great to see all of that work pay off. He’s going to be great, offensively and defensively, once he learns concepts and things like that.”
It is always special to earn the respect of your peers, especially a guy like Simmons.
“I appreciate him because I know he works hard himself and it’s good to have a big brother like him,” said Maxey. “A guy in your corner who, like you said, [is] an All-Star in this league and someone who can help me and mentor me. And just help me get my game to where I want it to be.”
Welcome to the Association, @TyreseMaxey. pic.twitter.com/C0EV38hQdN
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) December 16, 2020
“Yeah, he’s good. I’ve said that, he’s a good player,” said coach Doc Rivers. “He’s got to push for minutes because he’s a good basketball player. He knows how to play, can’t speed him up, he’s got a plethora of shots, he makes simple plays, throwing this out to Cal (John Calipari), as I said before, Kentucky guys coming in being prepared that this kid knows how to defend he talks on defense. He’s been coached for sure.”
Maxey will have his next chance to show the coaching staff that he deserves minutes on Friday when Philadelphia finishes up the preseason with the Indiana Pacers. [lawrence-related id=40259,40256,40248]