Why Tyrese Maxey Fell in the 2020 NBA Draft

By Edcel Panganiban March 01, 2024 08:53

Tyrese Maxey, the young and talented guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, was selected as the No. 21 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Despite being a standout performer for his team, concerns about his abilities led to his fall in the draft. Let's delve into the reasons behind Tyrese Maxey's surprising drop in the 2020 NBA Draft and the subsequent impact of his selection on the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Draft Day Discrepancy

Initial Projections

Tyrese Maxey was initially projected as a potential lottery pick due to his skills and performance at Kentucky.
Despite being a "potential lottery pick", concerns about his shooting and other aspects led to his eventual fall to the No. 21 pick in the draft.

College Performance

In his one season with the Wildcats, Maxey's shooting percentages were .427/.291/.833.
He was criticized for his inefficient jumper and was not a potent shooter in college.
These concerns about his shooting abilities became a significant factor in his draft position.

NBA Performance

Contrary to the initial concerns, Maxey's NBA performance has been remarkable. In his third NBA season, he averaged 20.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists on .481/.434/.845 splits.
His transformation from a college player with shooting concerns to an outstanding NBA shooter has proven many initial draft day projections wrong.

Evaluating Draft Day Projections

Shooting Concerns

Some analysts expressed concerns about Maxey's shooting abilities, labeling him as "not a potent shooter".
This apprehension was rooted in Maxey's subpar college shooting percentages and lack of inclination to take deep shots during his time at Kentucky.

Inadequate Projections

The initial projections and concerns about Maxey's shooting abilities were proven wrong by his exceptional shooting performance in the NBA.
Maxey's evolution as a potent shooter in the NBA rendered the draft day projections inadequate and inaccurate.

Impact on the Philadelphia 76ers

Draft Day Selection

The Philadelphia 76ers selected Tyrese Maxey as the No. 21 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, a decision that has significantly impacted the team's dynamics and performance.
Despite initial concerns, Maxey has emerged as a full-time starter and a key player for the 76ers, contributing significantly to the team's performance and title hopes.

On-Court Impact

Maxey's emergence as a potent scorer and improved shooter has elevated the 76ers' offensive capabilities, making him a crucial aspect of the team's strategy and performance.
His ability to complement the team's star players like Joel Embiid and James Harden has reinforced the 76ers' offensive prowess.

Final Thoughts on Tyrese Maxey's Draft Fall

Evolution and Adaptation

Tyrese Maxey's remarkable journey from a college player with shooting concerns to an exceptional NBA shooter showcases his adaptability and growth as a player.
His relentless work ethic and selfless attitude have been instrumental in his transformation and subsequent impact on the Philadelphia 76ers.

Draft Day Misjudgments

The draft day projections and concerns about Maxey's shooting abilities were proven wrong by his outstanding performance in the NBA.
Maxey's evolution as a potent shooter highlights the unpredictability of player development and the limitations of draft day evaluations.

Tyrese Maxey's fall in the 2020 NBA Draft was primarily attributed to concerns about his shooting abilities and performance in college. However, his subsequent evolution as a potent shooter and key player for the Philadelphia 76ers has debunked these initial draft day projections, emphasizing the unpredictability and dynamism of player development in the NBA.