5 players who could be first time All-Stars this season

2. Tyrese Maxey

Many people have been waiting for the Tyrese Maxey scoring explosion, and with James Harden gone, it is happening. Maxey averaged 20.3 points a game last season and is up to 25.4 points a game this season. Like his scoring numbers, his assist numbers have also shot up. Harden was the primary ball handler last season, but with him gone, Maxey has taken that role and is excelling.

Maxey has three double-doubles on the season and is currently in the 50-40-90 club. Joel Embiid is leading the entire league in scoring, but the former Kentucky Wildcat is becoming the perfect Robin to Embiid’s Batman. Just recently, in the Philadelphia 76ers game against the Washington Wizards, Maxey registered the first 20-point 10 assist game with no turnovers this year. He is tied for fifth in assist to turnover ratio.

The 76ers are red hot, and Maxey has been handed the keys to one of the top Eastern Conference teams. There is always room for a dynamic duo in the All-Star game; it could be Joel and Maxey this year.