There’s no denying the Philadelphia 76ers already have one of the top playmakers in the NBA in Ben Simmons. However, according to Noah Levick of NBCSPhilly, Simmons wasn’t the player that the veteran point guard George Hill was referring to in the quote below.
George Hill on Tyrese Maxey: "I think he's going to be one of the top guards in this league for years to come."
— Noah Levick (@NoahLevick) May 10, 2021
Hill says he "loves everything about Maxey."
That’s right, Hill was referring to rookie Tyrese Maxey. While I’ve recently written about how his potential should influence offseason moves, I personally didn’t have this view of Maxey’s ceiling as that high, but I’m not going to argue with a veteran with Hill’s resume.
Maxey might become an elite point guard for the Philadelphia 76ers.
More from The Sixer Sense
- 3 Sixers players who could help Team USA Basketball
- 76ers 2k24 ratings: 3 most underrated players on Philadelphia roster
- 76ers head coach Nick Nurse bares lofty plans for Paul Reed this season
- Grade the Trade: 76ers swap Tobias Harris for superstar PG in mock deal
- Sixers Podcast: Danny Green returns + James Harden bombshell
Before diving into Maxey’s game and potential, let’s look at the other point guards Hill has played against over the years. Hill has played against the likes of Chris Paul, Steven Nash, Jason Kidd, Tony Parker, Kyle Lowry, Deron Williams, John Wall, Russell Westbrook, Damian Lillard, and Stephen Curry to name some of the elite ones. It’s safe to say that Hill know’s what he’s talking about.
Maxey Has been growing since he first hit an NBA court. He came into the league as a score-first point guard who has a killer floater. He’s fast and can get to the rim at will. However, he wasn’t perfect to begin the season. He struggled to create contact at the rim, shooting from the 3-point line, and defending.
However, as the season has progressed he’s improved in all of those areas. If he continues to improve those areas, the Sixers can shift Ben Simmons to a forward position and have Simmons become a point forward. That would allow Maxey to start and be that legit shot-creator in the starting five.
Hill’s comments should be taken seriously and if they become true the Philadelphia 76ers would have a steal in Maxey from the 2020 NBA Draft.