The NBA, not just the Philadelphia Sixers, faced a tough situation last year, but incoming rookies such as Tyrese Maxey arguably had it the worst. Their amount of time to learn the NBA lifestyle was significantly shorter compared to a typical season.
Between no summer league and minimal training camp, Tyrese Maxey had to acclimate himself with the Sixers on the fly. Even with little time to prepare for his first season as a pro, the former first-round pick still managed to help elevate the team on multiple occasions.
With just two days to go before the start of his sophomore season with the Sixers, Maxey is filled with excitement. During his post-practice media availability, he opened up on the growth in his comfort level compared to last year.
“Full training camp, preseason, summer league, offseason, it's been great. I feel a little bit more comfortable than last year. Last year I was thrown in the fire, had to figure it out throughout the year,” said Maxey Monday.
The normal timeline is great for every player but even more beneficial for Maxey. He almost instantly built the reputation of being a gym rat and started his offseason training about a week after the Sixers' exit in the postseason. There is no telling what all the added time will do for his game this upcoming season.
Arguably the biggest factor for Maxey this offseason was the extra reps in a live game setting. Due to the lack of point guards on the Sixers' roster, the next step in Maxey's development is growing as a facilitator. Summer league and preseason have allowed him to work on finding a happy balance as scorer and floor general, something Doc Rivers has also talked about in recent weeks.
Hearing that Maxey is feeling much more comfortable this season is a major positive for the Sixers. With how things have played out, he is among the players that will be called upon to take on a larger role moving forward.
Luckily for the Sixers, no moment is ever too big for the young guard. Even in the bright lights of the postseason, Maxey managed to deliver some big moments when his number was called. “Proper preparation prevents poor performance” is a motto he lives by and has helped shape him into a fine young pro.
Between Shake Milton being injured and Ben Simmons' status still in question, Maxey must hit the ground running this opening week of the season. He took a majority of his reps with the starters in training camp and might find himself in that lineup on Wednesday for the Sixers against the Pelicans.
Based on his latest comments, it's fair to say Maxey is ready from both a physical and mental standpoint. Everything is in place for him to burst on the scene in year two for the Sixers and show why he is one of the league's most promising young guards.
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