Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey is experiencing a breakout season and has elevated his profile in the NBA MVP race. Averaging impressive career-highs with 27.4 points, 6.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game, Maxey’s performance has earned him recognition as an All-Star starter for the first time. His remarkable performances have propelled him into the top five of the latest Kia NBA MVP ladder, moving up from his previous rank of eighth.
Maxey is being lauded for his two-way capabilities, showcasing both offensive prowess and defensive effectiveness. His speed and agility enable him to target opponents effectively, while his ability to disrupt passing lanes has made him a standout defender. Notably, he has been a consistent scorer throughout the season, ranking among the top five in the league while also placing second in total steals with 86. Recently, he demonstrated his defensive skills by recording eight steals in a game against the Indiana Pacers, contributing to a total of 19 steals over his past four outings.
In terms of scoring, Maxey has had several standout performances, recording four games with at least 40 points, including a season-high of 54 points. His contributions have been vital for the 76ers, especially during periods when star teammate Joel Embiid was recovering from injury and limited in minutes.
Currently, Maxey finds himself in elite company, trailing behind reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Victor Wembanyama on the MVP ladder. However, the competition remains fierce, as players like Jaylen Brown, Cade Cunningham, Anthony Edwards, Alperen Sengun, and Jamal Murray are closely following.
If Maxey continues to maintain his impressive level of play and the 76ers stay competitive in the Eastern Conference playoff race, he will likely remain a formidable contender in the MVP discussions as the season progresses. This surge highlights the potential growth of a player who is quickly becoming a key figure in the league.