The Sixers‘ point guard depth chart in a mess of uncertainty, with Ben Simmons unlikely to play a single minute with the franchise next season. While any Simmons trade is likely to include another point guard, there’s no guarantee.
That leaves a certain vagueness around the role of Tyrese Maxey, who impressed in limited minutes as a rookie and looks primed to assume the mantle of sixth man in 2021-22. That is, unless he takes on an even bigger role. ‘
As the 20-year-old approaches his sophomore season, here are three goals he should set for himself.
3 goals for Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey: 35 percent from deep
As a rookie, Maxey converted on 30.1 percent of his 3-point attempts. He only took 1.7 per game in 15.3 minutes, when is equivalent to 4.0 attempts per 36 minutes. Maxey should look to improve not only his percentage, but also his volume. The more 3s Maxey can take (and make), the more deadly his elite first step becomes.
Maxey can already get downhill at will, using his blinding speed to dart between defenders and finish at the rim. That said, defenses are comfortable daring him to shoot. His 3s have looked markedly better in summer workouts (not the best data) and Summer League, and that is the next step for Maxey. A consistent pull-up 3 puts him firmly in the starter territory.
We’re still a couple years from knowing whether Maxey is more Jordan Clarkson or De’Aaron Fox, but we already know he’s an NBA player. He will contribute in the league for a long time. The degree to which he contributes could depend largely on the develop of his 3-point shot.