76ers select Tyrese Maxey with No. 21 pick

With the No. 21 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers have selected Kentucky standout Tyrese Maxey.

Maxey was among five members of last year's recruiting class chosen to play in the McDonald's All-American Game, the Jordan Brand Classic, and the Nike Hoop Summit.

The 20-year-old exploded onto the college basketball scene with an electric 26-point performance in the Wildcats' season-opening win over No. 1 Michigan State in the Champions Classic. But Maxey only exceeded that scoring output once more in an up-and-down freshman year.

He averaged 14 points, 4.3 boards, and 3.2 assists en route to earning All-SEC second-team honors. Klutch Sports recently hosted a nationally televised pro day, where Maxey showed off his improved shooting mechanics.

"I feel like I'm a way better shooter than what the numbers say. I've really been working extremely hard to be consistent," Maxey told reporters, including theScore, during his recent NBA draft media availability. "I shot a flat ball in college, so I've been working with a trainer every single day since May on getting my arc up, getting my elbow above my eye. Shooting reps on reps on reps."

"You have to be able to shoot the ball at the next level," Maxey added. "At a guard my height - guards in the NBA period - it's hard to get on the floor and play in the NBA game without being able to knock down wide-open threes."

Bio

Position: SG
School: Kentucky
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 198 lbs
Wingspan: 6-foot-7
Max vertical: N/A

Strengths

• Can score at all three levels
• Fast-break threat; finished fifth in the SEC with 4.1 transition points per game
• Shows excellent touch on floaters and push shots
• Strong frame allows him to absorb contact and get to the free-throw line often
• Big-game player; his top performances came against Kentucky's toughest opponents
• Solid on-ball defender; uses his length and quickness to contain opposing guards

Weaknesses

• Needs to improve his outside shooting; shot 29.2% from downtown last season
• Low release point on jump shot
• Undersized for a shooting guard
• Questionable shot selection at times
• Not a natural playmaker