Rise and Shine Sixers fans, it’s Monday! Our beloved basketball team stands at 8-2 and in first place in the Eastern Conference standings, all while being significantly short handed over the past week. Obviously, there is a lot of credit to go around for the success they have been having, but I want to highlight one player from this week and that would be none other than 76ers point guard Tyrese Maxey.

Tyrese Maxey

We are watching this kid become the point guard of the future right before our eyes. Tyrese is freshly 21 years old, and is clearly becoming one of the most important pieces on this roster.

Through the last three games Maxey is averaging 14.6 points per game and 6.3 assists per game. We always knew that he could score, but he has been incredibly efficient in a manner that the Sixers do not normally have. He puts pressure on closeouts and gets to the rim at a rate that is only matched by well established NBA All-Stars. The scoring has also been objectively solid at 58% from the field during this stretch and has shown growth from beyond the arc.

A concern to start the year was his defensive ability, and how much they fall off without Simmons as the main perimeter defender. As a player with incredible energy and hustle, it only makes sense that he is turning into a gritty defender, he isn’t the most physically imposing player but makes up for it in his relentless pursuit. In a way, he is TJ McConnell esc on the defensive end, and he has more physical attributes to build on.

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Possibly the more important part of his development is his facilitation. Earlier on, Maxey’s knock was that he was just a scorer but he has quickly debunked that myth. In the last three games, Maxey has 19 assists compared to just two turnovers. He hasn’t just filled in at the point guard position, he has genuinely developed into what is the quarterback of this offense. There are still clear areas of development for Tyrese, but his undying energy and work ethic point to him having continuous growth in this game, I am unbelievably excited for his future here.

The 76ers are back in action tonight against the New York Knicks in South Philadelphia. Click here for the game preview, odds, and predictions.