Best NBA Rookies so far: 4 surprisingly confident players

Best NBA Rookies so far: Tyrese Maxey’s confidence

Tyrese Maxey might be winning by way of circumstance at the moment on the Philadelphia 76ers just like Pritchard, but you can’t deny that he’s juiced the opportunity he’s been given for everything that it’s worth.

Maxey, who averaged just about 12 minutes in his first four games of the season, was quickly launched into a more prominent role for the Sixers when several players missed multiple games due to health and safety protocols.

In the eight games since, Maxey has averaged 25.4 minutes per game, and he’s averaged 14.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game in eight contests (3 of which he was a starter in).

As a starter, he’s averaged 23.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game.

Maxey will soon be another name on the long list of highly succesful Wildcat players in the NBA, and it’s clear his time with John Calipari has prepared him well for the big stage.

Maxey has plenty of tangible basketball skills to talk about. He shoots the ball decently (51.2 effective field goal percentage so far this season), can spearhead an offense and facilitate for his teammates when needed (he put up eight assists in Philly’s overtime win against Miami), protects the ball, and is extremely fast which has allowed the Sixers offense to get out and run. His floater is the best part of his offensive repertoire, something he utilizes frequently.

But most of all, what’s noticeable about his game is his confidence. Maxey plays nothing like a rookie, coming with a fearless energy, ready to do whatever is needed for his team to win.

He goes at fellow rookie and defensive stalwart Precious Achiuwa here off the screen from Joel Embiid without even thinking twice.

And then there are plays like this where Maxey’s confidence gets him into trouble and subsequently saves him, all in a matter of seconds. When a player like Achiuwa is standing in the way, most guards his size won’t go at the rim. Even fewer will contest for a corralled rebound after they miss.

Maxey’s progression has been like a skyrocket so far. As the Sixers get some important pieces back from quarantine, his role and related impact will diminish, but his confidence will propel him toward rapid growth in the early stages of his career.