ESPN just dropped their top 100 player rankings for the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season, and hold up a second: Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey landed at a mind-blowing No. 11 overall. Seriously, let that sink in. What’s even crazier? He’s sitting pretty *ahead* of Golden State Warriors legend Steph Curry on that list. This isn’t just some random number; it’s a massive statement about where Maxey stands as he barrels into his seventh year in the league, ready to lead an absolutely stacked squad.
Maxey’s Relentless Ascent to Stardom
This dude has been on a rocket ship ever since he got drafted way back in 2020 as the No. 21 pick, and he hasn’t slowed down for a second. You wanna talk consistency? Maxey’s scoring average has shot up in every single one of his six seasons. Last year, the 2025-26 campaign, he hit a career-high 28.3 points per game, which was good for fifth in the entire league! Add to that 6.6 assists and 4.1 boards, all while draining 46.2% from the floor and a respectable 36.7% from deep. That kind of consistent, elite-level improvement isn’t luck; it’s pure, relentless grind, and it earned him a well-deserved All-NBA Third Team nod. Maxey has truly become one of the game’s premier talents, a guy who can just *take over* a game in the blink of an eye and make sure his team is always in a position to win.
The New Era Leader: Welcoming LeBron and Jaylen
Now, as Maxey, who’s still only 25 years old, gets ready for this next step, the stakes are absolutely through the roof for the 76ers. His presence? It was a *massive* factor in LeBron James’ decision to sign with Philadelphia. Think about that for a second! LeBron James joining your squad because of *you*. That tells you everything you need to know about the respect Maxey has commanded across the league. He’s not just a scoring machine anymore; he’s the guy tasked with making sure James and Jaylen Brown feel right at home, all while still getting the absolute best out of Joel Embiid and VJ Edgecombe. James and Brown bring those championship habits, that title-winning experience. But Maxey? He’s the one who’s gotta be the team’s leader, rally the troops, and make sure everyone’s locked in and prepared to get what needs to be done when it actually counts in this upcoming season.
There’s no doubt the spotlight’s going to be brighter than ever on Maxey this season. With some of the game’s absolute best around him, the expectations for Philadelphia are sky-high. Can he lead this star-studded squad over the hump and make a deep playoff run? We’re all going to find out, and honestly, if his past performance is any indicator, there’s absolutely nothing in his game or personality that suggests he won’t continue to thrive. Get ready, folks, because the 2026-27 season is going to be a wild ride for the 76ers.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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