On Tuesday, April 23, the NBA announced their winner of the KIA Most Improved Player. The Philadelphia 76ers’ guard Tyrese Maxey was named victorious just edging out Chicago Bulls’ guard Coby White. Maxey finished with 319 voting points, while White received 305. Rockets’ center Alperen Sengun finished as the third finalist with 92 voting points. Maxey had a dominant 51 first place votes to White’s 32. Ultimately, that gave him the edge to take home the hardware. The NBA has gradually been announcing some of their major award winners. Unfortunately, the Sixers are not likely to have any beyond Maxey, due to reigning league MVP Joel Embiid‘s injury for most of the year. So far, the only other award winner to be announced belongs to Minnesota Timberwolve’s Naz Reid winning Sixth Man of the Year.
A Look Back on Maxey’s Success
The 76ers’ fourth-year point guard has indeed shown tremendous growth throughout his NBA career so far. Last year, he averaged 20.3 points, 3.5 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.3 turnovers in 60 games played. This year, he has taken a significant jump in his play with nearly all of those major statistical areas improving. His averages totaled 25.9 points, 6.2 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.7 turnovers. While his points did increase by nearly 6 points per game, his shooting splits got slightly worse, but nothing dramatic. His assist to turnover ratio went from 2.69 to 3.65, an impressive jump for the team’s primary ball-handler. His improvement on the stat sheet is clear, but Maxey also had to take the pressure of being the team’s number one man with Embiid being sidelined most of the year.
Ironic Timing of the Award
Overall, there is no question that Maxey deserved this award. It is also worth noting that White’s improvement should not be ignored, and he is deserving to have made it a tight race. Perhaps the most interesting note about this award, is the timing of the NBA’s announcement. The award was announced just after a Game Two loss of the 76ers’ first round series against the Knicks. However, the NBA confirmed that the officials made three missed calls at the end of the game that cost Philadelphia the game. While the timing may be more ironic than purposeful, this award announcement seems like the NBA’s peace offering to all Philly fans.
