Throughout NBA history, powerful player agents have played a huge role in shaping careers and even franchises. Agents like Arn Tellem and Jeff Schwartz in basketball have helped players land in the right situations, secure major contracts, and prove their value on the biggest stage.
One such agent is Rich Paul, who recently opened up about a lesser-known but crucial moment in his career in which he helped the Philadelphia 76ers draft Tyrese Maxey.
Rich Paul Has Made a Revelation Regarding Tyrese Maxey
In a recent episode of the “Game Over” podcast, co-host Paul was asked by Max Kellerman if there was a player he represents who went the extra mile to prove himself. Paul did not hesitate.
He told the story of how he convinced the 76ers to keep the 21st pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. That pick turned into Maxey, and he has since become one of the best young guards in the league.
“Philly was going to trade that pick. I called and told Elton Brand… I said Elton, I’m telling you right now if this guy gets to you, you better take him,” said Paul during the podcast.
The path to that 21st pick was anything but simple.
Back in 2016, the 76ers traded Jerami Grant to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Ersan İlyasova and a top-20 protected 2020 first-round pick. For a long time, it looked like the pick might never convey. However, OKC’s performance in the NBA bubble pushed the selection outside the top 20 which ultimately landed at No. 21 and officially sent it to Philadelphia.
Instead of trading the pick again, the Sixers selected Kentucky guard Maxey, who had unexpectedly slipped down the draft board. What followed turned out to be one of the biggest draft steals in recent memory. Maxey has now spent six seasons with the 76ers and has grown into a true cornerstone player.
In the ongoing season, Maxey has, till now, averaged 31.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. Moreover, his growth was fully on display during a career-high 54-point performance. He did it on 18-of-30 shooting, along with nine assists, in a (123-114) overtime win against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 20.
Thanks to major contributions from Maxey and players like Quentin Grimes, the 76ers are enjoying a stronger season than last year, and they currently hold a 15-11 record in the league and are sitting in fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Now, coming back to Paul, his resume speaks for itself.
He has represented superstar clients such as LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Draymond Green, and De’Aaron Fox, and his experience with navigating high-pressure drafts and negotiations prepared him well for moments like Maxey’s selection. Another one of Paul’s most notable moves was orchestrating Davis’ trade from the New Orleans Pelicans to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019.
With Maxey thriving and the 76ers rising, it remains to be seen what big move Paul will make next.
