Recent NBA statistics and records have sparked debates among fans and analysts. One such discussion arose on “Inside the NBA” when the crew was highlighting Tyrese Maxey’s impressive performance for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Ernie Johnson pointed out that Maxey currently leads the league in distance traveled per game, covering an average of three miles each contest. However, Charles Barkley voiced his skepticism about the relevance of this statistic, suggesting it was insignificant.
Ernie: “[Tyrese Maxey] covers three miles per game, which is number one in the league!”
Chuck: “That’s just another useless stat. … What kind of loser is sitting around counting your miles anyways?!” pic.twitter.com/0oz9MTM9uH
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) November 22, 2023
Contrary to Chuck’s stance, the distance Maxey covers during games can actually shed light on several positive aspects of the young guard’s abilities. Firstly, it underscores his exceptional physical conditioning, potentially allowing him to maintain high energy levels late in games. Regrettably, this stamina hasn’t translated into clutch performances, as Maxey averages only 1.8 points per game on 28.6% shooting in clutch situations, defined as the last five minutes of a contest with a point differential of five points or less
Sixers offense being so DHO centric creates looks like this
Maxey acts like he comes off for the handoff and creates a easy look pic.twitter.com/prLSEDig2s
— Aidan Doc🧸 (@AidanDoc_) November 20, 2023
Moreover, Maxey’s active involvement in games reflects a significant shift in the effectiveness of Philadelphia’s offense compared to the previous season. Under new head coach Nick Nurse, the team’s offensive strategies have become more diverse, involving a greater variety of plays. Maxey has evidently thrived in this system.
Sixers offense being so DHO centric creates looks like this
Maxey acts like he comes off for the handoff and creates a easy look pic.twitter.com/prLSEDig2s
— Aidan Doc🧸 (@AidanDoc_) November 20, 2023
Despite Barkley’s light-hearted criticism of Maxey’s mileage, he remains a staunch supporter of the emerging talent. During the franchise’s earlier standoff with James Harden, Barkley advocated for the Sixers to transition to the Embiid-Maxey partnership, moving away from “The Beard.”
“I think it’s time for them to make that trade and turn the team over to Joel and Maxey.”
Charles Barkley gave his thoughts on the James Harden situation to @amyfadoolNBCS. pic.twitter.com/zAwwRZgLV9
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) July 15, 2023
So far, the University of Kentucky product has lived up to expectations, becoming the ideal complement to the reigning Most Valuable Player and even generating MVP buzz for his outstanding play in the early stages of the 2023-24 season.
https://t.co/wWGNmWnCY9’s updated MVP Ladder:
1. Nikola Jokic
2. Luka Doncic
3. Joel Embiid
4. Jayson Tatum
5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
6. Anthony Edwards
7. Tyrese Haliburton
8. Tyrese Maxey
9. Bam Adebayo
10. Domantas Sabonis— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 17, 2023
NBA MVP Tracker, via @bball_ref:
1.) Nikola Jokic
2.) Joel Embiid
3.) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
4.) Tyrese Maxey
5.) Domantas Sabonis
6.) Jayson Tatum
7.) Tyrese Haliburton
8.) Luka Doncic
9.) Kristaps Porzingis
10.) Giannis Antetokounmpo— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) November 20, 2023
Whether Maxey can maintain or elevate his performance remains to be seen, but his confidence suggests he’s up for the challenge.