3 improvements that would make Maxey an All-Star: Defense
At 6-foot-2, Tyrese Maxey doesn’t appear to be the type of player that the Sixers can rely on defensively. That general stats tend to back up that assertation as he only averaged 0.7 steals and 0.4 blocks last season.
His Defensive Plus/Minus score of minus-0.7 and his 115 Defensive Rating per 100 possessions don’t make it seem like he can be a reliable defensive player. However, the eye test has shown a different story.
This is just one example of when Maxey uses his top-tier athleticism to make a great defensive play. Maxey’s one of the fast players in the NBA and his jumping ability is underrated. With James Harden as his backcourt mate, the 76ers need one of them to be a positive defensive player, and with Harden’s advanced age and responsibility as the team’s second-best player, that responsibility falls on Maxey.
He clearly has the tools to be a positive defender, but if he wants to make the next step, he’s going to need to do it on a consistent basis. If he can it will go a long way in helping him be an All-Star as well as, help sure up Philly’s defense on the perimeter.