As the Philadelphia 76ers prepare for the upcoming 2026 NBA season, guard Tyrese Maxey has earned recognition as one of the league’s top point guards. Despite challenges last year, Maxey’s rapid development has made him a key figure in the team’s future and earned him a spot among the NBA’s elite backcourt players.
Since being selected 20th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, Maxey has steadily risen to prominence. What was initially seen as a significant draft steal has proven true, with Maxey now considered one of the best talents from his class entering his sixth professional season.
Placement Among Top Point Guards in the NBA
HoopsHype recently updated their rankings of point guards across the NBA, placing Maxey firmly in the top 10 ahead of the new season. He secured the No. 10 spot, just behind established All-Stars like Ja Morant and De’Aaron Fox, while stars such as Luka Doncic and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remained atop the list.
Maxey’s combination of scoring and playmaking caught the attention of analysts. Despite missing out on All-Star honors last season, his performance matched that caliber, especially on defense.
“A volume scorer with good playmaking ability, Tyrese Maxey missed out on All-Star honors last season, but he performed at that level. Maxey even had a career season on the defensive end, averaging nearly two steals per contest, playing the role of chaotic pest well on the less glamorous end of the floor.Regardless, Maxey remains one of the top scoring-minded point guards in the NBA today thanks to his elite quickness and valuable pull-up shooting ability, and the Philadelphia 76ers rightfully value him as such.”
—HoopsHype Analyst
Strong Statistical Performance Amid Limited Games
Last season marked the fewest games Maxey has played in his career, appearing in only 52 contests due to a lingering finger injury. Nevertheless, he posted career-best numbers, averaging 26.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. His offensive explosiveness was on full display, including a memorable 45-point game against the Indiana Pacers early in the season.
Despite an early shutdown to preserve his health, Maxey has resumed his full training routine this summer, aiming to return to peak form. His focus remains on leading the 76ers back to playoff contention after a season that fell short of expectations.
Anticipation Builds for Maxey’s Impact in 2026
Maxey’s ascent into the league’s top echelon of point guards signals a hopeful future for the Philadelphia 76ers. His growth as both a scorer and defender enhances the team’s competitiveness and positions him as a cornerstone of their strategy moving forward. As training camp approaches, Maxey’s readiness and continued progress will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, anticipating his role in driving the Sixers’ success.