Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey has firmly established himself as a star in the 2025-26 season. While 76ers fans have long recognized his talent, this campaign has erased any lingering doubts, positioning him as a strong contender for All-NBA honors.
However, Maxey has hit a bump in the road with a noticeable drop in his three-point shooting efficiency-a challenge the All-Star break might help him overcome.
Now a two-time All-Star, Maxey is enjoying the best season of his career. The 2024 Most Improved Player is posting impressive stats: 28.9 points, 6.8 assists, 4.1 rebounds, 2.0 steals, 0.8 blocks, and 3.3 three-pointers per game, shooting .469/.379/.889.
He's been a workhorse for Philadelphia, playing in 52 of their 54 games and leading the league in minutes per game at an astonishing 38.6. This has been crucial, given that key players like Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Kelly Oubre Jr. have all missed significant time.
The heavy minutes and dual responsibilities on both ends of the court seem to have taken a toll on Maxey. After shooting 40.9% from three in his first 36 games, he's dropped to just 30.2% in his last 16 outings.
While fatigue might play a role in his shooting slump, it's not the sole factor. The constant lineup changes with Embiid and George in and out have likely disrupted his rhythm. The connection between his workload and shooting struggles is hard to ignore.
Maxey leads the NBA in distance traveled per game at 2.80 miles, outpacing the next closest player, Amen Thompson. He's also leading in offensive miles at 1.60 and ranks third in defensive distance.
Joining elite company, Maxey is one of just four players averaging at least 28.0 points and 6.0 assists, alongside Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Nikola Jokic. This underscores not just his extensive playtime but also his significant offensive responsibilities.
Fortunately, the All-Star break has given Maxey a chance to recharge, just when it seemed like fatigue might derail his shooting touch.