OKC Thunder: NBA Draft big board 2.0 – Top 30 prospects
By Rylan Stiles
Tyrese Maxey, G, Kentucky, 6’3, 200 pounds, 19 years old
Intangibles. That is the word to describe Tyrese Maxey. It is almost hard to describe his game and not sound like a walking cliche of coach speak. He makes winning plays, he just flat out gets it done. He will be a franchise’s starting guard for years to come. A pillar of a franchise, likely not the team’s best player, but the leader and go-to guy for years to come.
As a freshman at Kentucky, Maxey poured in 14 points per game, with three assists, and an impressive 83 percent from the line. That has to leave NBA scouts encouraged with his ability to eventually stretch the floor.
Tyrese Maxey not only makes winning shots, and wants the ball in his hands, but he loves to win games on the other end as well. He has a big enough frame and a 6’6 wingspan that will allow him to defend a ton of players on the floor.
When Maxey plays on-ball defense, you simply will not get past him. His length, shiftiness, and quickness make him a pest for the opposition.
Off the ball, his hustle and effort allow him to rotate at an elite level, while his length allows him to deflect passes. Remember the last Kentucky player that was rated in this range? Welcome to this year’s Tyler Herro experience.
Maxey is not a perfect prospect, but that simply does not exist this year. He lacks elite playmaking for a point guard, does not take high percentage shots. Although, I do give prospects leeway for poor shot selection in college. Often the offenses are designed for the possession to end with them attempting a shot.