Philadelphia 76ers rookie point guard Tyrese Maxey has quickly become a fan favorite since he made his NBA debut back in December. During the regular season, the former Kentucky player averaged eight points per game while playing 15 minutes per game.
Maxey is competing for minutes with Shake Milton, and many fans want Maxey to take minutes from Milton, and according to head coach Doc Rivers he has earned them.
Why the Sixers should play Tyrese Maxey over Shake Milton
In two games this postseason against the Washington Wizards, Maxey has scored 13 points (10 in Game 2) in 21 minutes played and has a plus/minus of plus +7. Milton has scored a total of five points in two games and has a plus/minus of -14. This means while Maxey is on the court, the 76ers are outscoring the Wizards by seven points, and the 76ers are being outscored by the Wizards by 14 while Milton is playing.
In Game 2, when Maxey entered the game in the third quarter, the 76ers were winning easily so his minutes were “meaningless,” but he had some playoff experience and his confidence has grown.
76ers veteran player George Hill had high praise for Maxey after Game 1.
"“That boy is good…he has a high motor and the keys to drive that car.”"
Shooting guard Seth Curry injured his ankle in Game 2, and if he needs to miss time Maxey has earned minutes to fill in for Curry. I’m not saying he should start for Curry, but I don’t think anyone would be mad if Rivers opted to go that route.
The fans love Maxey
Philadelphia is known for having fans that are passionate about their players and teams. The only thing fans ask from their players is to give it their all each night and win or lose they will have nothing but respect for their players.
Man, this city LOVES Tyrese Maxey.
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) May 27, 2021
Tyrese Maxey is everything we wanted Markelle Fultz to be
— Jesse James Larch (@JesseLarch) May 23, 2021
Maxey brings energy to the team that no one else on the roster can. It’s fun seeing him play alongside Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, and the fans erupt when Maxey enters the game. Maxey will have a great career and having the playoff experience from this season will only help him in future seasons.