Tyrese Maxey emerges as All-NBA contender, challenging elite guards
Tyrese Maxey is making waves in the NBA this season, positioning himself not just for a potential first All-Star Game appearance but also for a serious run at All-NBA honors. While Nikola Jokić is in the thick of an all-time great season, Maxey’s performance has sparked conversations about his place among the league’s elite.
Eligibility and Competition
Before diving into the stats, it’s important to note the eligibility criteria for All-NBA selections. Players need to participate in at least 65 games and must play at least 20 minutes in 63 of those. This rule comes into sharp focus for stars like Luka Dončić and Stephen Curry, both of whom have faced injury setbacks this season. Dončić has already missed seven games, and if he sits out more than 10 of the remaining 52 contests, he would be ineligible. Similarly, Curry can afford to miss only eight of the Warriors’ final 50 games.
As it stands, if both Dončić and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remain healthy, they are likely to fill the first-team All-NBA backcourt slots. This scenario leaves four additional spots open, with Maxey in contention alongside Cade Cunningham, Jalen Brunson, Anthony Edwards, and Donovan Mitchell. Notably, players like Austin Reaves, James Harden, Devin Booker, and Jamal Murray linger on the fringes of this competitive landscape.
Maxey’s Impressive Statistics
As of Tuesday’s action, Maxey is making a compelling case for All-NBA recognition, ranking third in the league in scoring at 30.7 points per game. He is one of only three players averaging at least 30 points, six assists, and four rebounds per game, joining Dončić and Gilgeous-Alexander. This statistic alone solidifies his candidacy.
When compared to other guards vying for All-NBA honors, Maxey stands out. A recent analysis from Stathead highlights that he surpasses Cunningham, Brunson, Curry, Edwards, and Mitchell in both box plus/minus and value over replacement player (VORP), two critical metrics in evaluating overall impact. Additionally, he leads this group in steals and blocks per game, underscoring his improved defensive capabilities.
Team Performance and Its Implications
While individual statistics are vital, team success can serve as a tiebreaker in All-NBA considerations. Players like Cunningham, Brunson, and Edwards have the advantage of being on competitive teams, while Curry and Mitchell find themselves on clubs hovering around .500. The Philadelphia 76ers will need to remain in the playoff picture for Maxey’s candidacy to gain traction. However, as long as teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors do not ascend to the top of their conferences, Maxey’s case remains strong.
The crux of the question now is whether Maxey can maintain his current level of performance throughout the season. Recent outings have seen him averaging only 22.7 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game over the last week, coinciding with three consecutive losses for the Sixers. While expecting him to score over 30 points every night may be unrealistic, the uncertain health of Joel Embiid means Maxey’s offensive output is critical for the team.
The Importance of Perception
An additional nuance to Maxey’s candidacy lies in the perception of his scoring average. While there isn’t a significant statistical difference between averaging 27-28 points per game and 30, the latter creates a more impactful narrative, particularly if it places him alongside the league’s premier talents. Being one of the only three players to achieve the 30-6-4 benchmark alongside Dončić and Gilgeous-Alexander is a noteworthy achievement that enhances his resume.
Some detractors may point out that Maxey leads the league with an average of 39.7 minutes played per game, which contributes to his impressive counting stats. If the Sixers decide to dial back his minutes to the 35-36 range, any subsequent dip in production could adversely affect his All-NBA aspirations. However, the unpredictable nature of the season—exemplified by Jokić’s recent injury—reminds us that situations can change swiftly, potentially opening doors for Maxey.
As the season progresses, it’s clear that Tyrese Maxey is not just an emerging star; he is building a robust case for All-NBA honors that could reshape the landscape of the league’s elite guards.
