'I'm made for this': Former Kentucky star embracing expanded NBA role

Tyrese Maxey is thriving as the lead guard for the Philadelphia 76ers following multiple injuries.

The plan wasn't for former Kentucky guard Tyrese Maxey to be the last star standing for the Philadelphia 76ers. In fact, when the team used a first-round pick in 2020 on the Wildcat guard, the team was set on Ben Simmons playing the slashing guard role for years to come. 

But, after Simmons imploded, Maxey stepped into a bigger role than expected as a rookie and averaged eight points per game. 

The team then flipped Simmons for James Harden, and the Harden and Joel Embiid combo allowed Maxey to flourish in an off-ball role - until Harden also played himself out of Philadelphia last year which pushed Maxey into more of a pure point guard role.

No problem for the budding superstar, who has dramatically improved his scoring and facilitation skills in year four - averaging 25.8 points and 6.4 assists, while his turnovers have only climbed from 1.3 to 1.7 from last season.

Lately he's had to step up even more with Embiid on the shelf, who has been out since February 7. But, as has been the case, Maxey seemed unphased.

“He’s pure, a hard worker, loves his teammates and the game,” coach Nick Nurse said. “More talented than I thought. He’s got a long way to go to unlock all of that. He can be a 25-30 points a game scorer and run the team every night. If anyone can do it, it’s him.”

Maxey was one of seven Kentucky alumni picked for the 2024 NBA All-Star game, and his ascension from late first round pick to superstar is yet another success story for coach John Calipari and the 'Cats.