Tyrese Maxey has etched his name into Philadelphia 76ers history, surpassing the legendary Allen Iverson to become the franchise's all-time leader in made three-pointers. Maxey achieved this milestone with his fourth triple in the opening quarter against the Miami Heat at Xfinity Mobile Arena, much to the delight of the home crowd.
At just 25, Maxey's journey to this accomplishment is a testament to his remarkable development since being drafted. Coming out of the University of Kentucky, there were doubts about his shooting ability, which led to him being selected 21st overall in the 2020 NBA Draft. However, the Sixers saw potential where others hesitated, and Maxey has rewarded their faith in spades.
From his early days showing flashes of brilliance, Maxey has grown into one of the standout players from his draft class. His shooting prowess has been a key factor in his rise to stardom. By his fourth season, he had already claimed the NBA Most Improved Player Award, and now, in his sixth year, he's in the midst of a career-defining breakout, averaging 29.0 points per game despite a recent dip in form.
Iverson's record of 885 three-pointers was set over 722 games and 2,864 attempts. Maxey, displaying a modern flair for the long ball, has surpassed this mark in significantly fewer attempts and games. With the evolution of the game emphasizing three-point shooting, Maxey has become the Sixers' new standard-bearer, averaging over eight attempts per game for the third straight season.
Maxey's achievement not only highlights his individual talent but also marks a new era for the franchise's approach to the game. His ability to consistently deliver from beyond the arc makes him a crucial asset for the Sixers as they look to build on their storied history.