76ers Star Tyrese Maxey Snubbed From Seasonal Award in Latest Prediction
Aside from Joel Embiid historic offensive run earlier in the year, the biggest storyline for the Philadelphia 76ers this season is the emergence of Tyrese Maxey. The young guard took a massive step froward in his development, resulting in the first All-Star selection of his career.
Throughout his first few seasons in the league, Maxey has steadily improved his game. However, many agreed that he made "the leap" this year. With James Harden no longer in the picture, Maxey had a clear runway to being the Sixers' No. 2 option on a nightly basis.
The 23-year-old has played in 56 games this year and posted averages of 25.9 PPG, 3.7 RPG and 6.2 APG. This production had him as a clear favorite for a seasonal award, but that is no longer the case.
With just a few weeks to go in the regular season, the people at Bleacher Report put out updated predictions for each seasonal award. For Most Improved Player, Chicago Bulls guard Coby White is named as winner. Maxey wasn't even listed as the runner-up, that went to OKC Thunder forward Jalen Williams.
White has seen his role drastically increase this season for the Bulls due to various injuries. After averaging under 10 points per game last year, his sits at just under 20 this year (19.6 PPG). Williams has also upped his production across the board for the Thunder after being a finalist for Rookie of the Year last season.
Maxey still has a good chance of being a finalist for MIP this year. However, based on these new predictions, it's clear he's no longer the runaway favorite.
