With Ben Simmons first requesting a trade and then declaring himself not mentally ready to play, the Philadelphia 76ers had a hole to fill in their starting lineup entering this season. Following a promising rookie year and an outstanding abbreviated stint in Las Vegas Summer League, second-year guard Tyrese Maxey was seen by many as the obvious option. Head coach Doc Rivers eventually agreed with that assessment (after playing coy in training camp and possibly helped by Shake Milton’s ankle injury), yet through five games, Maxey’s play has been up-and-down.
Maxey recorded a still-season-high 20 points in the season opener against New Orleans, but then later shot a combined 7-of-22 (31.