Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey has emerged as one of the top young players in the NBA. Given the injury complications surrounding Joel Embiid and Paul George, the 76ers are depending on another All-Star level season from him. Maxey has been compared in the past to someone he recently praised as one of his most formidable opponents.
Tyrese Maxey Praises Kyrie Irving As One of The Hardest Players to Guard
While playing video games with Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith, Maxey highlighted Irving as someone who always gives him trouble. Maxey added that Irving is “fun to guard” because of his dynamic dribbling.
Tyrese Maxey speaks on Kyrie being one of the toughest players to guard in the league
“He’s hard to guard and also fun to guard”
(🎥 houseofhighlights/YT) pic.twitter.com/t7uDl7f7Jq
— Kyrie Center (@kyriecenterig) October 10, 2025
A nine-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA guard, Irving is currently rehabbing a torn ACL in his left knee. Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd says the team will not rush Irving’s recovery and has no timetable for his return. Irving had another strong season before the injury, averaging 24.7 points per game while shooting 40.1% from three and 91.6% from the free throw line.
Kyrie Irving ‘17-18 passing tape pic.twitter.com/xxnziIWX87
— . (@UncleDrewidk) October 10, 2025
Philadelphia selected Maxey with the 21st overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft. Maxey won the league’s Most Improved Player Award after the 2023-2024 season when he averaged 25.9 points and 6.2 assists per game, while making his first All-Star team. He averaged 26.3 points and 6.1 assists per game last season, as the 76ers dealt with turmoil.
Maxey has been compared to Irving for their scoring ability, quickness, and strong dribbling as smaller guards. However, Maxey doesn’t quite profile on Irving’s level yet so far in his career.
His actual shooting percentage last season was 56.2% compared to Irving’s 59.4%. Maxey has reached the elite 60% or higher actual shooting percentage once in his first five seasons, while Irving has done it six times in his career.
Irving is one of the best dribblers in the league history and an elite finisher around the rim. While Maxey attacks the rim well, he doesn’t appear to be in Irving’s class so far. Maxey isn’t as consistent or efficient a shooter as Irving, though Maxey’s increased usage rate, due to Embiid’s constant injury struggles, may have harmed his efficiency.
Neither is a great defender, but Maxey could potentially have a more significant impact on that side of the ball than Irving, due to his awareness and anticipation in passing lanes. Maxey averaged 1.8 steals per game last season, while Irving’s career high is 1.5 with his 114 steals in 75 games during the 2014-2015 season.
Maxey turns 25 this November, and the 76ers have to be pleased with his development so far. Even if he doesn’t quite become an Irving-level player, he is on the trajectory to become an All-NBA guard.