Tyrese Maxey has been an important part of a contending team like the Philadelphia 76ers. Maxey is on his second postseason of his career becoming the Sixers’ starting guard this season.
The scoring has emerged as one of the brightest young stars in the league despite not being a lottery pick. The 21-year-old averaged 17.5 points, 4.3 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game during the 2021-22 season.
“I thought Miami would take me at No. 20. Look, I was blessed and happy to be drafted, first and foremost,” Maxey told Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports. “…I felt like I was good enough to be drafted at a higher position. When teams pass up on you, you never forget about it.”
“Miami, Orlando and San Antonio. Those were the three teams I thought would draft me. When I started slipping, I was upset, but I kept reminding myself that my dream of getting drafted was coming true.”
The Spurs instead drafted Devin Vassell No. 11 overall, while the Magic took Cole Anthony at No. 15 and the Heat selected Precious Achiuwa at No. 20. Maxey went to Philadelphia at 21.
Maxey was a breakout star for the Sixers this season. He shot 48.5 percent from the field, 42.7 percent from three and 86.6 percent from the free-throw line showing his ability to lead his team in the fast break, while he is an excellent finisher around the basket.
After primarily coming off the bench for the Sixers as a rookie, the 21-year old guard started 74 games for the Sixers in the regular season. With Ben Simmons out, Maxey became the starting guard for Philadelphia.
