Sixers preseason takeaway #2: Maxey looks legit
MaxeyMania has already begun. The Sixers’ rook was electric in his first taste of NBA minutes, looking the part of a valuable rotation player. In fact, it’s not too bold to say Doc Rivers should have Maxey as one of his 10 rotation cogs when the regular season starts — even if it’s at the expense of last year’s first-round pick.
The Sixers have struggled to put legitimate halfcourt creators next to Embiid since the inception of his career. Players who can penetrate the defense, create shots from scratch, and do real damage at all three levels have been few and far between. Maxey (and Shake Milton) are finally prepared to change the narrative.
Maxey uses a lethal first step to beat defenders off the dribble and get into the teeth of the defense. Maxey’s floater package is bonkers, and his touch around the rim is equally nutty. He can contort his body and finish at the full speed without losing an ounce of grace, and his jumper — in a very limited sample size — looks fine enough.
It’s too early to pencil Maxey into Rivers’ 10-man group. In fact, I would err on the side of caution and project Thybulle over Maxey when the season begins. Even so, in due time one should expect Maxey to play consistent minutes for this team. He’s a kind of player we have never really seen next to Embiid and Simmons, and there’s a lot of value in letting him shine.