76ers' Tyrese Maxey Makes ‘Most Improved’ Watch List

Looking at some of the league's budding stars, 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey is a name to watch next season.

Tyrese Maxey’s run with the Philadelphia 76ers has been a steady uphill improvement. After beginning his professional career as an in-and-out-of-the-rotation rookie, Maxey was offered a chance to start during his sophomore season.

That was an opportunity the former Kentucky guard took advantage of, as he improved his production in every area of the game. Now, as Maxey enters year four in the NBA, the young guard has recently been included in a list that predicts next season’s most improved young stars.

Not that the order matters in this case; Maxey comes in at fourth on Bleacher Report’s list. The assumption is that Maxey could soon “cement” himself as a star for next season after not being named an All-Star throughout his first three seasons. Also, the list serves as a potential watchlist for Most Improved Player candidates for next season as well.

Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey / USA Today

Why Maxey?

“Assuming Harden is eventually traded, it's hard to imagine Philly would be getting a bigger star back in return, or someone who spends as much time handling the ball as the 34-year-old.

This, of course, would be huge for Maxey, who would immediately see an uptick in scoring and playmaking duties. He came off the bench for 19 games a season ago and averaged 22.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists and shot 45.5 percent from three in his 41 games as a starter.

If/when Harden is traded, the 22-year-old could cement himself as an All-Star.”

What Do We Think?

Maxey mentioned a few weeks ago that the James Harden saga is not the Sixers’ first rodeo. While that’s unfortunate, it’s true. Two summers ago, Philly’s former three-time All-Star Ben Simmons wanted to force his way out of town. When it didn’t happen right away, the Sixers went into the new year with an absent All-Star on the roster.

The situation was a blessing in disguise for Maxey, who won a starting role in the absence of Simmons. Now that Harden could place the Sixers in a similar boat this upcoming season, there is another chance for Maxey to run the offense and see his usage increase.

There is no reason to believe Maxey can’t have an even better fourth year in the NBA. After all, he’s improved every season, going from averaging under ten points per game during his rookie effort to putting up 20 points per game last season. 

Cracking the All-Star roster would be a tall task, but Maxey could still reach star territory with another improved run under his belt. And if the Sixers’ Harden saga doesn’t result in acquiring another star-caliber player, then Maxey could have another career year coming.