Tyrese Maxey, since joining the Philadelphia 76ers, has consistently demonstrated his ability to elevate his game, particularly in the scoring department. Every year since his draft in 2020, Maxey has improved his scoring average, setting new career highs season after season. Heading into his fifth NBA season, the big question is whether Maxey will take his game to even greater heights.
In a recent preseason outing, NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor from Yahoo Sports was impressed with Maxey’s performance. O’Connor went as far as to suggest that Maxey could potentially “push 30 points per game (PPG)” in the upcoming season. This bold prediction is supported by Maxey’s track record of scoring prowess, as he has already put up multiple 40 and 50-point games in his young career.
This hesi dribble from Maxey here was insane pic.twitter.com/tTzwYAmVid
— Dan Olinger (@dan_olinger) October 12, 2024
While averaging 30 PPG is a lofty target, Maxey has shown he can deliver high-scoring performances when needed, especially when he is the primary focus of the offense. However, there are factors that might make it challenging for Maxey to consistently reach such heights. One of the biggest reasons is the presence of Joel Embiid, the reigning MVP and one of the league’s top scorers. Embiid has led the NBA in scoring in two of the last three seasons and was on track for a third straight title before a knee injury sidelined him last year. Embiid’s ability to dominate the ball and score at will will naturally take some of the scoring load off Maxey.
Additionally, the Sixers recently added another scoring threat in Paul George, a veteran who has consistently averaged over 21 points per game throughout his career. George, though not as prolific a scorer as Embiid, has a career-high season average of 28 PPG, and his presence will ensure that the offensive load is shared among the team’s key players.
The benefit of having multiple scoring options like Embiid and George is that Maxey won’t be pressured to carry the full weight of the offense. However, knowing that Maxey has the capability to explode for 30 or more points when needed gives the Sixers a valuable weapon. Even without averaging 30 points per game, Maxey’s potential to score at a high level provides a dynamic boost to the 76ers’ offensive depth.
With Maxey’s continuous improvement and the strong supporting cast around him, the Sixers are in a good position heading into the season. Though it’s uncertain if Maxey will reach the 30 PPG mark, his growth as a scorer will undoubtedly be crucial to the team’s success.
