As the NBA draft approaches, a look back at the Philadelphia 76ers’ draft history reveals the significance of their 2020 selection of Tyrese Maxey at No. 21. Initially regarded as a promising prospect from Kentucky, Maxey quickly showcased his potential by averaging 8.0 points and 2.0 assists in his rookie season. In his second year, amid the Ben Simmons situation, he stepped up as a starter, achieving an impressive average of 25.9 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.7 rebounds, ultimately earning All-Star status and the title of Most Improved Player in the 2023-24 season.

However, the 2024-25 season posed challenges for Maxey, as injuries limited him to just 52 games. Despite this, he maintained a strong scoring average of 26.3 points per game, albeit with lower shooting percentages. Heading into the 2025-26 season, Maxey's health, along with the statuses of teammates Joel Embiid and Paul George, will be crucial as the Sixers aim for a title run.