Sixers: Ranking Tyrese Maxey and every starting point guard in the NBA
86. . PG. Minnesota Timberwolves. D'Angelo Russell. 24. player
Ranking NBA starting point guards — 24. D’Angelo Russell, Timberwolves
On the surface, the D’Angelo Russell experience is quite fun. He’s averaging 18.9 points and 6.9 assists as the clear No. 3 in Minnesota’s hierarchy. His hot streaks border on artistry, and his patience out of the pick-and-roll forms the foundation of a legitimately dynamic modern floor general.
Problem is, Russell is inefficient (39.8 percent from the field) and a complete no-show on defense. He has many good nights, and often enough, the offense can overshadow the defense. But there are also nights where Russell is holding KAT and company back, rather than elevating his teammates.
PG. Washington Wizards. Spencer Dinwiddie. 23. player. 142.
Ranking NBA starting point guards — 23. Spencer Dinwiddie, Wizards
It has been a difficult return to action for Spencer Dinwiddie, who missed all of last season due to an ACL tear. He doesn’t look quite himself, and after a hot start, the Wizards are starting to slip in the standings. All hope is not lost, however. The flashes are there, and as Dinwiddie begins to regain comfort, the production should follow.
Even in his diminished state, Dinwiddie is giving Washington 13.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. The percentages are bleh (.393/.331/.782), but again — knee injuries are tricky. Dinwiddie made a living getting downhill, putting pressure on the rim, and picking apart defenses from the inside-out. Have patience.
Philadelphia 76ers. Tyrese Maxey. 22. player. 93. . PG
Ranking NBA starting point guards — 22. Tyrese Maxey, Sixers
Tyrese Maxey has been even better than his most ardent supporters anticipated before the season. He’s not only filling in for Ben Simmons — he’s establishing himself as the point guard of the future in Philadelphia. It hasn’t come without its warps, but for stretches this season, Maxey’s production had people thinking about the All-Star game.
So far, Maxey is averaging 16.8 points and 4.5 assists on .473/.380/.871 splits. Pretty absurd when you consider where he was just last season, playing 15 minutes a night as the 21st pick. His slippery speed, feather-soft touch, and steadily growing chemistry with Joel Embiid are all reasons for extreme long-term optimism.