Philadelphia 76ers hit the lottery with Tyrese Maxey

Philadelphia 76ers rookie Tyrese Maxey is proving why 20 other NBA teams will regret passing on him in the draft.

On Saturday, the Philadelphia 76ers played the Denver Nuggets at the Wells Fargo Center. Due to the circumstances, the Sixers’ Boathouse Row jerseys were set to be more entertaining than the game itself. During the opening presentation, Sixers rookie Tyrese Maxey ceremoniously rang the bell. What happened after that is something Philly fans will never forget. Something they hope will reverberate throughout the rest of his career.

For the 76ers, grabbing a player like Maxey so late in the draft is uncommon. His breakout game would also be a rare gem. Yet, his success did not just begin in his tenth professional game.

Going into the Nuggets game, the Sixers’ rookie sensation had scored in double digits in three of the previous five games. In that span, he shot over 50 percent and conveyed an aspect of his game that will continue to add value to the team. Maxey’s ability to penetrate and score in numerous ways presents Doc Rivers with an option that the 76ers have not had in quite some time.

Sure, what stood out most at the offset of the Denver game was the absence of more than half the team due to injuries and COVID-19 quarantine protocol. Yet, Tyrese Maxey would seize the moment unlike anyone Sixers fans have seen since the likes of another undersized guard who became a Philly legend.

In a starting five that included Dwight Howard, Danny Green, Isaiah Joe, and Dakota Mathis, Maxey stood out in multiple ways. Initially, the network broadcasting the game displayed his image not wearing a Sixers jersey in the lineup introductions. As strange as that was to witness, what his performance brought in his 44 minutes on the court would not look odd at all. Quite impressively, he showcased his game and put the league on notice, placing Sixer fans in a state of temporary bliss.

Tyrese Maxey explodes in Sixers win

Once the Nuggets game began, Maxey had the time and ability to exhibit his skill and talent. The only true ball handler on the depleted roster, he took control of the game early. He drove the lane and scored in traffic. He dribbled around screens and pulled up for mid-range jumpers. He pulled up for three with confidence and made three out of eight shots.

His body control was more similar to a savvy veteran than 20-year-old rookie. Contorting his body to create space for an easier shot on some plays, it looked as if he had been playing in the league for several years. His crisp pump fakes and quick decisions in scoring situations made his stock jump exponentially compared to his teammates on the floor, who seemed a step behind Maxey in some instances.

In case you didn’t catch the game, what was missed is the start of something special. Maxey’s final box score? 39 points to go along with seven boards and six assists. It was the highest scoring game by a 76ers rookie since Allen Iverson put up 40 points in 1997.

Keep in mind, the Sixers were the team without its premier players. Denver had all of its stars, including Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. How could such a young player burden the heavy load of scoring when his most offensively productive teammates did not even touch the floor? The question is as astounding as the results.

If this game is only a glimpse into what Tyrese Maxey can bring to Philadelphia, the fans are yearning for the bigger picture. What could that include? Even more scoring off the bench to go with Shake Milton? Could he secure a starting role in the near future and provide a more dynamic option in the offense? Imagine a quick switch of Maxey and Danny Green to start subsequent games. Maxey as a creator when the shot clock is running down as Joel Embiid is double teamed should tantalize Philly fans. Whether he finishes with his floater or drives all the way to the rim, Maxey demonstrates a fearlessness and passion for scoring that is reminiscent of the original Sixers son — Allen Iverson.

Tyrese Maxey’s room to grow

By no means is Tyrese Maxey a complete player. It is apparent that his capacity for growth in various areas is necessary. For instance, he must learn to get to the foul line more often. By the time the Denver game was complete, he attempted zero free throws. In addition, his assists per game must increase if he will be expected to run offensive sets, and his defensive dependability needs a boost if he is to avoid being a liability on the other end of the court.

He will get plenty of guidance from his new coach, who also used to play point guard in the NBA. With more opportunities to learn from the current Sixer vets, Maxey should absorb as much as he can to improve each game. Whether it’s pick-and-rolls or being a better communicator on the floor, the 76ers’ rookie should experience a growth spurt that could benefit the team come playoff time.

It will be interesting to see how Doc Rivers reacts to Maxey’s breakout game. It’s like the Philadelphia 76ers coach found a genie bottle, rubbed it, and a 6-foot-3, 200-pound guard from one of the most prestigious collegiate basketball programs appeared in cloud of blue dust. Will Tyrese Maxey become the second coming of A.I.? We can all only wish, and Maxey has the power to grant it.