Tyrese Maxey has gone from a spark plug to the face of the 76ers’ backcourt

While the majority of Sixers fans contemplate life or death with Paul George and Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey is officially a star in the NBA and the kind of guard you can build around, the kind of guard who gets a $204 million max contract and an All-Star nod in the same breath.

The emergence of Tyrese Maxey shows that the Sixers’ backcourt isn’t just set, it’s already thriving. Beyond the eye test, the numbers tell the story, and they also make Maxey one of the most intriguing names in sports betting and fantasy drafts this season.

Tyrese Maxey Statistical Growth: Scoring Averages and Efficiency

Maxey’s scoring trajectory has steadily climbed each season, reflecting both growing responsibility and improved shot-making.

The leap has been undeniable.

From averaging 8.0 points in 15 minutes as a rookie to dropping 26.3 points in year five, Maxey’s rise has been steady, relentless, and very Philly. Every year, more shots, more buckets, more responsibility. He’s launched himself into the upper tier of scoring guards, ripping off 50-point games like they’re pickup runs at the park.

But it’s not just scoring. His assist numbers tell the other half of the story: 2.0 dimes per game as a rookie, 6.1 now. He’s not just hunting shots anymore; he’s running an offense. Add in almost two steals per game this year, and Maxey’s box score looks like something out of a franchise cornerstone’s playbook.

• 2020-21: 61 games, 15.3 MPG, 8.0 PPG, FG% .462, 3P% .301, .301, FT% .871.
• 2021-22: 75 games, 35.3 MPG, 17.5 PPG, FG% .485, 3P% .427, FT% .866.
• 2022-23: 60 games, 33.6 MPG, 20.3 PPG, FG% .481, 3P% .434, FT% .845.
• 2023-24: 70 games, 37.5 MPG, 25.9 PPG, FG% .450, 3P% .373, FT% .868.

Last season, appearing in 52 games and averaging 37.7 minutes per game, Maxey averaged 26.3 points while shooting .437 from the floor and .337 from beyond the arc.

His field goal attempts per game have gone from about 7.0 in his rookie season to 21.0 FGA/G in 2024-25.

Three-point attempts have also risen, hitting about 9.2 3PA/G in 2024-25. Free throw attempts and success rate remain a strong part of his game (.879 in 2024-25).

Playmaking Strides: Assists and All-Around Impact

Tyrese Maxey’s growth has not been just scoring; his ability to facilitate has improved, along with rebounding, steals, and general court impact.

From 2.0 assists per game in 2020-21, Maxey increased to 4.3 APG in 2021-22, then 3.5 APG in 2022-23, 6.2 APG in 2023-24, and 6.1 APG in 2024-25.

Rebounds went from ~1.7 RPG in his rookie year, rising to 3.7 RPG in 2023-24, then 3.3 RPG in 2024-25. Steals also rose, moving to about 1.0 per game in 2023-24 and 1.8 in 2024-25; blocks remained lower but steady (~0.5 in 2023-24, ~0.4 in 2024-25).

Big Contract & Recognition

His statistical growth has been rewarded with league and financial recognition. Maxey was named Most Improved Player in 2023-24, made his first All-Star selection, and won the Sportsmanship Award that season.

In July 2024, he agreed to a five-year, $204 million maximum contract extension with the 76ers, which works out to an average of about $40.8 million per season.

Leadership Role Alongside Joel Embiid

Maxey has increasingly taken on leadership duties, especially as Embiid has dealt with injuries and absences. Embiid has missed numerous games due to left knee issues; at one point, he was out 38 games in the season. Without Embiid, Maxey has often carried the offense, logging heavy minutes (36-38+ MPG) and shouldering more shot volume.

The team has struggled without Embiid, but Maxey’s per-game contributions (25-26 PPG, ~6 APG) make him their clear #1 option in those stretches. He has also had several high scoring games, including three 50-point performances in 2023-24, tied for the league lead that season.

True No. 2 Star? Capacity to Carry Games When Embiid Sits

The question now will be if Maxey elevated himself into a true “#2 star” who can carry games when Embiid is not present. The evidence suggests he is close, with some gaps remaining.

His strengths include high usage (37.7 minutes per game with significant shot attempts in 2024-25), versatility (scoring, playmaking, rebounding, steals), and clutch ability shown by multiple 50-point games.

Challenges include a dip in efficiency (3P% dropped from .373 in 2023-24 to .337 in 2024-25, FG% also declined), and the team’s record without Embiid remains weak despite his strong individual numbers. Defensively, Embiid’s absence highlights Maxey’s reliance on offensive output rather than defensive anchoring.

Fantasy Implications: Draft Value and Usage

How Maxey’s breakout year affects his standing among fantasy basketball draft targets, especially for those seeking high-usage guards who shoot threes.

His scoring upside is elite, with 26.3 PPG in 2024-25 and the ability to explode for 50+ points. Assist ability (~6 APG) and high minutes per game make him a reliable option.

However, fantasy basketball draft strategists must weigh risks such as shooting percentages dropping (3P% at .337 in 2024-25) and the team’s struggles without Embiid, which could cap his win-based upside. Still, his high usage and multi-category stats make him a strong pick.

Comparison with Other Backcourt Stars

Putting Maxey’s breakout year in context: how does he stack up versus established #2s or co-stars in other top teams.

Compared to typical second stars, his 25-26 PPG plus ~6 APG is competitive with established wing guards or combo guards. His volume of three-point attempts gives him a scoring diversity edge.

In leadership, he has stepped up when Embiid is sidelined and earned recognition with awards, All-Star status, and a maximum contract, signaling team and league trust in his ability to lead.

Summary Judgment: Has Tyrese Maxey Become a True No. 2 Star?

Weighing all evidence to determine whether Maxey has fully made the jump.

He has solidified himself as an All-Star in 2023-24, established a high usage role capable of scoring and playmaking, and signed a maximum contract anchoring Philly’s long-term plans.

Yet, consistent team wins without Embiid remain elusive, his efficiency has dropped compared to peak years, and defensive consistency is still developing.

Looking Ahead: Projections and Expectations

Given trends, what should we expect for Maxey moving forward, both for Philly and in fantasy value. Projections suggest he may average 26-28 PPG with around 6 APG, and efforts will be aimed at improving his three-point shooting closer to 35-40%.

Leadership responsibilities are set to expand, making him even more central when Embiid is unavailable. From a fantasy perspective, he is an early-round target for managers valuing scoring, assists, and high usage. While efficiency concerns remain, his upside in points and minutes makes him one of the most attractive guard options.

Tyrese Maxey isn’t just a flash in the pan

Tyrese Maxey’s 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons confirm that his breakout is not transitory. He has grown into a co-star, a true #2, especially when Embiid is off the court. His scoring averages (25.9 → 26.3), assists, rebounding, and contract reflect that elevated status.

Team success still hinges on Embiid’s health, but Maxey’s growth offers Philadelphia a viable second pillar. For fantasy basketball draft strategists and Sixers fans alike, Maxey is no longer a rising guard, he is the rising star.

Join The Chase