The Philadelphia 76ers are enjoying a sorely needed break from play as the NBA Cup comes to a close. On Wednesday, the Sixers returned to their practice facility in Camden, NJ, as Paul George and Quentin Grimes addressed the media after practice.
Among several talking points, George was asked about Tyrese Maxey, who has been enjoying yet another outstanding season, averaging career highs in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and so many more areas. Specifically, George was asked about his impressions of Maxey as a leader and his work ethic off the court before joining Maxey in Philly.
“I didn't know much about him, other than he was a good, rising player,” George said. “I knew the talent, the skill set, but obviously when we played him, James [Harden] was here, and James and Joel [Embiid] were the focal points. He was kind of the third option. And so I didn't know much about him, but being here last year, obviously, was going away with how good he was, how mature he was, how instinctively a leader he was. And then just watch him grow over this year, just how much better he's gotten. It's kind of like the sky's the limit. I know the crowd, the fans, Philly chant, the MVP, and I don't think he gets enough credit to be in that conversation this year.
“More than anything, I think we as a team have to have his back and make those strides to get better as a team, because he deserves to get on that platform with how he's handled being the guy night in, night out, guys in, guys out. He's still performing and putting up big numbers, and more than that, I think the defensive side, he takes the challenge, makes big plays, tries to get stops, tries to guard his position, which a lot of guys don't do, especially more than ever in this league... His future is very bright, and he's just getting better and better every year.”
Asked in more depth about Maxey’s defensive improvement, considering his heavy offensive workload, George discussed Maxey’s approach and praised his willingness to take the challenge of defending his matchup.
“Just defensively, he just takes the challenge,” George continued. “And that's all you ask for anybody, whether you're a good defender or you're a poor defender, just take the challenge. That's why it's a team sport. You know, not one guy can stop five people. You need a team to go out there and be great defensively. But if you take the challenge, you got a chance. If each person individually takes the challenge to guard their guy and help their teammates, then you have a good foundation for your defense. So he's taking that challenge on a nightly basis while being guarded by the best defender, usually on a night-to-night basis.
“I think that's the biggest thing that I think has been pointed out to me is just, he doesn't look for a night off to go and sit in the corner and guard no one. He understands kind of the two way of, if I'm out here, I'm gonna get buckets and I'm going to stop whoever I'm guarding. I love that about guys that play both things.”
Tyrese Maxey will undoubtedly be an All-Star this season, barring an unexpected time away from the court. A quarter of the way through the season, Maxey is considered by many to be a top-five candidate for the NBA’s MVP award.
He’s come an incredible way since being drafted with the 21st pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, and as Paul George said, “the sky’s the limit.”
