Step back, Stephen Curry. In one reality, that is one of the greatest guards of all time, draining a magnificent shot from deep, but not in this article. Here, we discuss why Tyrese Maxey was rightfully ranked ahead of the 38-year-old in ESPN's NBA Top 100 rankings and how it will be critical to the Philadelphia 76ers' championship ambitions.
Curry is heading into the twilight of his career
The 2026-27 season was a career year for the electric Tyrese Maxey, but the same can't be said for Stephen Curry. The Warriors legend was just as devastating as ever; however, a lingering knee issue restricted his availability for selection.
ESPN noted Maxey's scintillating performances as he leaped from 28th position in the 2025 ranking to 11th this year. In comparison, Curry fell out of the top 10 to 12th overall. This was not because Maxey is a more capable operator than his accomplished opponent, but because he has proven to be the more durable one.
Despite averaging an outrageous 26.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, Curry only featured in 43 games for Golden State -- his lowest total since the 2019-20 season. His importance to the roster clearly hasn't diminished, as the Warriors held a 13-26 record in games the 12-time All-Star didn't play.
Through no fault of his own, Curry has fallen victim to Father Time and will have to stagger his minutes in the upcoming season to ensure he is in perfect shape to carry the Warriors deep into the playoffs. On the other hand, Maxey will be one of the leading voices in a roster capable of making a championship tilt.
Tyrese Maxey is ready to be in MVP conversations
Philadelphia's head coach Nick Nurse has a set of difficult decisions to make this year, most notably which superstar will lead his offense into battle. While Jaylen Brown might be the obvious option with his championship experience, if Nurse puts Maxey at the head of the snake, he would thrive once more.
Maxey's ascension to superstardom has come from a place of necessity. He was never destined to become the face of the Philadelphia 76ers franchise, but Joel Embiid's constant injuries and Paul George's 25-game suspension last year forced the 25-year-old into the primary role.
During the 2025-26 season, Maxey averaged 28.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game -- each statistic higher than Steph Curry's, while featuring in more games (70). If the Kentucky alum can maintain these numbers and help the 76ers clinch the top seed in the Eastern Conference, his name will be at the forefront of MVP conversations.
Nobody is denying the elite player Stephen Curry has been and still is; however, it is becoming clear that his body is starting to realize his age. When debating which star a team would want as their floor general, durability is as important as talent -- Tyrese Maxey has both. Golden State fans will not be happy that Curry has been ranked below the Sixers' electric guard, but Maxey is primed to have a greater season than their icon.
Add us as a preferred source on Google