The Sixers have already played half of their preseason games and they still clearly have a void to fill at their point guard position. Through two games, it is evident that theirs a position battle going on between the two young guards Shake Milton and Tyrese Maxey.
In the two games played, each player has had the opportunity to start a game, while the other played the role of the first guard off of the bench. We will take a look at what each player has done up to this point in these roles.
Shake Milton
In the first preseason game, Milton did nothing to really stand out to separate himself, and the guard made one of six shots attempted in the reserve role. In the second preseason game, Shake was positioned as the starting point guard, with starters Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris being back in the lineup after missing the first preseason game.
It was clear that Shake was not really an option in the offense, Milton more so used to bring the ball up court to initiate the offense. The young guard in the second preseason game only made two out of seven shots attempted.
Although not being effective from the field in either game, Shake showed some impressive moments playing defense at times and displayed some playmaking ability and willingness to create for other players.
Game 1: 19 minutes 3 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists
Game 2: 25 minutes 5 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists
Tyrese Maxey
It’s well documented that the young Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey has been working on his game all offseason. It has been clear early on this preseason that his work is paying off during these games. In the first preseason game, Maxey was placed in the starting lineup.
Although the numbers might now show it only totaling 10 points, it was clear that Maxey came into this season with a much higher level of confidence in himself and his game. This confidence showed even more during preseason game number two, where he tallied 21 minutes and scored 14 points off the bench. Maxey displayed an all-around game, controlling the pace, attacking, creating for himself and his teammates.
Game 1: 21 minutes, 10 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists
Game 2: 21 Minutes, 14 points, 5 assists, 6/9 FG, 1/1 FT, 1/1 3pt
The void at the point guard position is a real problem the Sixers need to address. Unless a trade is coming soon, Doc Rivers has a decision to make between the two young guards on who starts the season. Even though there were bright spots and growth in Milton and Maxey’s game, both players still have a lot of growing up to do to handle a full season at point guard and run an NBA team.
