George Hill, Sixers excited for future success of rookie Tyrese Maxey
Philadelphia 76ers rookie Tyrese Maxey continues to make a splash in the NBA despite the season being anything, but normal. After going for 22 points in a start on Saturday against the Detroit Pistons, Maxey is now averaging 7.6 points and he is shooting 46.1% from the floor on the season.
The rookie already received a lot of praise for that performance, but as the team got back to work in practice on Monday, they could not stop talking about the 6-foot-2 guard out of Kentucky.
He has the attention of veteran George Hill who has only been around for a short amount of time. The 13-year veteran believes the rookie has a very bright future in this league.
“I’m super excited for him,” said Hill. “I think he is going to be one of the top guards in this league for years to come. I’m always on him telling him to continue to stay ready, continue to do what he’s doing because I love everything about him. The kid has heart, he has a high motor, he wants to learn, and play the right way. I’m so excited for all the success that he’s gotten so far and I know that there’s way more in that bag that he got so I’m looking forward to it.”
The reason why Maxey has been able to find early success in the league is due to a maniacal work ethic. The rookie has been in the gym whenever he can and he is continuing to add to his game. He already came in with an innate ability to finish around the basket and be able to finish floaters, but there has been some improvement lately in his ability to knock down open looks from deep. On top of that, he has taken steps forward on the defensive end.
“He’s very coachable,” said coach Doc Rivers. “He listens, there’s nobody that works more. If you saw the minutes as far as he has on the practice floor, he’s so far ahead of everyone else, it’s unbelievable.”
Even on days where the coaches want the players to relax and not come into work, Maxey was in there continuing to work on his game.
“Even yesterday (Sunday) where we had a black day which means no one comes in,” Rivers explained. “I know that he worked out because unfortunately he’s working out with my son (Spencer), and I know that he did go in which is fine. We don’t care if you go in, but he was the only one and that’s just who he is. He works at it, he wants to be good, and he’s showing that.”
Maxey’s minutes have fluctuated for the most part over his rookie season. There have been times where he has played a lot, but there have also been times where he does not play at all. That is to be expected for a young player on an established team, but the work he has put in is noticeable.
“I think the biggest thing you should look at is, he’s played in sparring moments,” said veteran Tobias Harris. “He hasn’t gotten consistent minutes and it’s kind of natural as a young player in the league, but to be able to play here and there, but then to also take that opportunity and to show growth in your game throughout the season, that’s big. That shows the work he’s put in off the floor, outside of when we play in the arena, but the work he’s putting in the practice facility, and how he’s getting better.”
While Maxey could have a much larger role on other teams, Harris wants him to focus on the end goal. The Sixers have a chance at winning a championship and this experience is something he can take and help his game moving forward.
“The sky’s the limit for him so I can’t say enough of how good he is,” Harris finished. “My biggest thing I tell him is just be patient with this process because he’s a guy that could be on one of these bottom teams playing X amount of minutes and averaging 17/18/20 points a game. Right now, he’s on a winning team and a team that is fighting for a championship so there’s more growth in that area, in my opinion. Just being able to allow him to see the end game and to stay in a moment is the biggest thing.”
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
