The Number 0 who played like number 1

         The 76's Tyrese Maxey wears number 0, but definitely played like number 1 last year. (I say this dramatically because I know Joel Embiid is obviously number 1, but still, Maxey had an incredible year). For the record, Maxey had a video posted of him explaining his number choice by the NBA on Twitter, (view it here) and in it he said that Sixers' coach, Doc Rivers, had made a statement about zero excuses. So it wasn't as if Maxey were saying that 0 people believed in him, or he was forced to wear the number 0 by the Sixers organization. 

        Maxey proved to the entire league that he was an asset to the up and coming 76ers team in the 2021-22 season by his abilities and his willingness to take charge when star Embiid was out, or when veteran James Harden shrunk away. Maxey was third in the league last year for a three point percentage of 42.7%. Not bad for only his second season. With 17.5 points per game, and 4.3 assists per game, Maxey can improve, but for now, his speed, ball handling, and long-range shooting abilities shown in the later half of the season, help the Sixers team that finished 4th in the Eastern Conference last year.

Tyrese Maxey's spectacular season helped the 76ers go to the conference semifinals

 Photo Credit: Sixers Wire            

       Maxey stepped up when Harden seemingly stepped down. Although Harden was O.K. this year, Philadelphia expected more of him, and did not get more. Maxey's speed with the ball, agility, and quick moves made his talent look easy (it's not). The 21 year old moves faster with the ball than his competitors without the ball. Joel Embiid, will always get praise at the end of seasons for his superb statistics. However, right now, I am praising Tyrese Maxey because he is an exceptional young athlete with an exceptional career ahead.