Tyrese Maxey could be a dark horse candidate for 2021-22 NBA M.I.P.
After being selected with the 21st pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Tyrese Maxey had a solid rookie season with the Philadelphia 76ers. As he looks to take a leap entering his second season, the guard could quietly be a sleeper pick for Most Improved Player honors due to the predicament that is currently dominating headlines in Philadelphia and the rest of the association.
Of course, that is the ongoing Ben Simmons dilemma. Simmons made it clear this offseason that he wants to be traded from the 76ers and even held out of training camp. Although reports have indicated that he has returned to Philadelphia, it seems clear that Simmons still wants out. In the event that he inevitably gets traded elsewhere at some point, the door could be open for Maxey to take on a more significant role for this team.
During his rookie season, Maxey averaged eight points and two assists in 15.3 minutes per game. He came off the bench in all but eight games last season and proved to be a solid spark plug in the second unit due to his scoring and playmaking. Who knows how Simmons’ situation will end up, but Maxey should see a larger role throughout his sophomore season regardless. Could Maxey be a starter for this team? It is debatable, but they are clearly high on him and what he brings to the table, which could help ease him into that role. That would allow the guard to shine and improve his numbers from a year ago.
Maxey was solid for the 76ers during the preseason by averaging 13.3 points and 3.7 assists in 21.8 minutes per game. Although it comes in a small sample size of just three games, he looked like he belonged out there and that he is ready for more. With a bigger role in year two, Maxey could be an underrated pick to take home the honors, especially if he is named a starter.