Sixers draft history: Tyrese Maxey selected No. 21 overall in 2020
With the NBA draft right around the corner, now is the time to look at some past drafts and see what the Philadelphia 76ers have done in their history. The Sixers have selected some big-time players in the past who have become an important part of the fabric of the franchise's history.
This edition now turns to the 2020 draft as the Sixers were looking to bounce back after being swept out of the playoffs in Round 1 by the Boston Celtics. With the No. 21 pick in the draft, the Sixers were gifted Kentucky star Tyrese Maxey who fell into their laps.
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Maxey made an impact right away as he averaged 8.0 points and 2.0 assists off the bench--including scoring 39 points in a matchup with the Denver Nuggets when the Sixers were dealing with the health and safety protocols--and he used that as a springboard. He became a starter in his second season amid the Ben Simmons saga and then averaged 25.9 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.7 rebounds on his way to being named an All-Star and Most Improved Player in the 2023-24 season.
Maxey, just like almost every Sixer on the roster, dealt with injuries in the 2024-25 season as he was limited to just 52 games. He averaged 26.3 points and 6.1 assists, but his shooting percentages were down to just 43.7% from the floor overall and 33.7% from deep. As he prepares for the 2025-26 season, Maxey will have to make sure he is healthy and hope Joel Embiid and Paul George can join him as Philadelphia gears up for another title run.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers draft history: Tyrese Maxey selected No. 21 overall in 2020
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