Best Mark Deeks Podcasts (2025)

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That's a Wrap — Four Years of The Big Balance Theory 46:38

Play Pause

3d ago46:38

46:38

This month marks four incredible years since the launch of The Big Balance Theory! What started as a way to capture the experiences and emotions of the COVID lockdown years through the voices of authentic, inspiring guests has become so much more. Over time, we've reflected on every episode — uncovering insights, learnings, and stories that remind …

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#4 - The Long Walk (spoilers) 22:00

2M ago22:00

22:00

Kelly is a massive horror fan. Mark...isn't. In this ad-hoc podcast series, she tries to convince him to love the genre like she does, by making him watch them and then explaining what he missed. In the fourth episode, the two watch the film adaptation of Stephen King's short story, The Long Walk. It's good; it's really good. (The film, not the pod…

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The importance of strengths, culture and 'accidental conversations' with Psychologist, Michele Deeks 35:56

5M ago35:56

35:56

As a glass half full person, I've always been keen to explore people's strengths not weaknesses. Within my apprenticeship consultancy and coaching practices I use a range of strength based assessments and recently added the At My Best strength cards to my toolkit. This month's guest is co-founder of At My Best and Work Positive, an organisation com…

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Are you juggling the right balls? Graham Field 49:50

6M ago49:50

49:50

I'm joined by Graham Field, Thinking Focus coach and trainer, where we talk all things priority; the big life choices and day to day habits that can lead us down a rabbit hole of lost time. If you're anything like me, you set the day or week with best intentions but then life happens and everything goes to pot. I first met Graham by chance at a bus…

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Breaking free from negative body image, destructive dieting and binge eating to give you balance in life and work 49:04

7M ago49:04

49:04

This episode is a how-to conversation on ways to improve your body image, break free from binge eating and a diet mindset to one of growth, confidence and better choices in life and business I'm in conversation with Terri Pugh, a transformative life coach who helps women build confidence in how they show up in the world. Through coaching, workshops…

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How to get the best from your teams especially post covid. In conversation with Jo Keeler, MD Belbin 39:51

8M ago39:51

39:51

If you're familiar with the work of world-renowned Belbin Team Roles you'll be inspired by this conversation. · Why understanding each person's team role is ever more critical · The original research was carried out by Mrs Belbin who deliberately shone away from the limelight – a timely revelation to mark International Women's Week · Face to face c…

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How purpose and values done right lead to a more engaged and happier workforce. In conversation with Positive Psychology guru, Tillie Newnham, Happy Work Hive 36:49

9M ago36:49

36:49

This episode is bursting with all things positive but this is not to be confused with Toxic Positivity. Using a range of studies to back her work, Tillie shares with us the importance of purpose, values, emotions and language to create a truly authentic, meaningful and engaged team. Our conversation explores: · Why appraisals don't work · How to kn…

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Marking 10 years in business, Elain Crewe, founder of Wellbeing4Life, shares how her darkest moments in the workplace took her on the path to a life balanced and fulfilled 43:06

10M ago43:06

43:06

Elain candidly and honestly shares her journey of her downward spiral in terms of mental health. She neither recognised the signs nor had the toolkit to deal with the symptoms. It completely transformed her perspective on work-related breakdowns. Once she'd sought help she took the brave decision to set up a business to help others and this month c…

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Multi-award businesswoman and coach Zoe Hawkins on work-life balance, flexible working and leadership styles in the post-pandemic workplace 35:27

11M ago35:27

35:27

We're all aware of how working arrangements have changed for most since 2020. How do businesses get the balance right between serving their people and what's best for the business? What are the new skills needed to manage flexible working and the surge in online communications? These are the topics covered in this latest episode with Zoe Hawkins, c…

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Author, award winning business coach and digital guru Esther Partridge-Warner on career change post cancer 33:30

1y ago33:30

33:30

Welcome to this latest episode with Esther who shares lessons learned from her cancer diagnosis in 2015. Professionally she came off the treadmill and completely changed her career and has never looked back. We talk about the impact of covid and she shares top tips on how to get work life balance and keep your glass full! Esther's what 3 words to a…

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Ruairi Davies, Strength and Conditioning expert on how lockdown taught him to 'control the controllables' 28:10

1y ago28:10

28:10

Welcome to this latest episode with fitness trainer Ruairi Davies. From a dream job training elite rugby athletes in Chile to a lockdown-enforced return home. He thought he would return 2 weeks later (a familiar tale) but that didn't happen and his career took a new focus. What he has learned and keen to share is: · You can have a grand plan but th…

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How a recent diagnosis of ADHD has given meaning to Hayley Tutte, founder of Huquine Sports Therapy 52:04

1y ago52:04

52:04

Welcome to this latest conversation with Hayley Tutte. Two years ago, past guest Hayley bravely shared with us how the silence created by lockdown led to a whole change in career. Since then, Hayley has gone from self-employed to running her own clinic, works 3.5 days a week and is more balanced than ever. A recent ADHD diagnosis has further transf…

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#8 - Ten Olympic players who deserve a look from the NBA 18:33

1y ago18:33

18:33

The 2024 Olympic Basketball Tournament is over, and with it, so is all meaningful summer basketball. There are now a couple of months of relative downtime before the majority of the world's leagues resume play, including the NBA. Roster construction and scouting, though, never stop. And while the bulk of business is long since done, new information…

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#3 - It, Chapter One 15:24

1+ y ago15:24

15:24

Kelly is a massive horror fan. Mark...isn't. In this ad-hoc podcast series, she tries to convince him to love the genre like she does, by making him watch them and then explaining what he missed. In the third episode, they watch the 2017 remake of It, one of Kelly's favourite films of all time. Can she convince Mark to feel the same way? Or will he…

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#2 - Longlegs (contains spoilers) 13:43

1+ y ago13:43

13:43

Kelly is a massive horror fan. Mark...isn't. In this ad-hoc podcast series, she tries to convince him to love the genre like she does, by making him watch them and then explaining what he missed. The second episode sees them go to an actual cinema, like how people used to do in the old days, and watch a particularly deranged turn from Nicolas Cage …

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Why giving pays back and an unexpected dive into the benefits of AI. Dave Hider, MBA, founder of Mind-Gap, coaching lecturer and philanthropist 53:42

1+ y ago53:42

53:42

Welcome to this latest conversation with Dave Hider. Dave has held extensive strategic leadership roles and during lockdown, whilst working full time, navigating different processes as a result of lockdown with most of his team furloughed he completed his MBA with distinction. Covid made him realise that life is too short so he left the trappings o…

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#1 - Cabin Fever 14:50

1+ y ago14:50

14:50

Kelly is a massive horror fan. Mark...isn't. In this ad-hoc podcast series, she tries to convince him to love the genre like she does, by making him watch them and then explaining what he missed. The first episode sees them sit down to watch Eli Roth's directorial debut, 2002's Cabin Fever. One of the sillier horror films out there. Will she convin…

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How lockdown taught entrepreneur and coach Maddy Shine that a seven-figure salary is no trade-off for a quality life 38:31

1+ y ago38:31

38:31

In this episode my conversation is with Maddy Shine. Maddy is a website wonder coder, an SEO supremo and runs three businesses. Her purpose is to shine bright and help other women entrepreneurs do just that. Our conversation leads to changes in buyer behaviour since lockdown and her tips on how to grow your business, why giving, especially to your …

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In conversation with Dr Lizzy Bernthal, Former Lt.Col in the Army and now award-winning confidence and leadership coach, keynote speaker and author 34:29

1+ y ago34:29

34:29

In this episode, No. 28, my conversation is with Dr Lizzy Bernthal. Having served 25 years as a healthcare specialist in the Army, rising through the ranks to Lt Col and completing an MEd and PHD in resilience, Lizzy's own business mission is to help others by removing toxicity in the workplace through resilient leadership. Her many insights includ…

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Dick Johns, award-winning writer, actor and corporate leadership management facilitator for some of the world's leading brands on helping people to have better conversations 48:08

1+ y ago48:08

48:08

As an actor, Dick Bradnum worked for 30 years across TV, film and radio, appearing in The Office, High Hopes and My Hero. Under his own name Dick Johns, he has written and performed three successful solo shows at Chapter, Cardiff: Dick Johns - What Midlife Crisis? (2016), Let's Talk About Death, Baby (2018) and in 2022 a documentary record of The G…

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Nicky Applegarth, MD of award-winning global digital marketing agency, Ayima, mountain climber, wife and (nearly) fully trained dog trainer 30:41

1+ y ago30:41

30:41

In this episode my conversation is with Nicky Applegarth, MD of award winning digital marketing agency, Ayima. This agency serves many of the world's biggest brands with a global team of just over 100. Nicky started her digital career back in 1999 in a small website design and build agency at a time when mobile phones were simply used to make phone…

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Julie Robinson CEO, Aspire Learning (multi-academy) Trust on the impact of covid on the next generation and why employing apprentices in schools is so important 26:22

2y ago26:22

26:22

Hear Julie's honest and heart-searching experience of what it was like being a Principal of a secondary school during lockdown and how, post-pandemic, more specialist staff have been appointed to support students' social and emotional needs. Past guests have shared at least one benefit from lockdown but for Julie it was the worst period of her care…

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Libby Langley, Entrepreneur, Author and podcast host; always in pursuit of happiness 33:03

2y ago33:03

33:03

Self-affirmed 'Queen of Business' Libby shares her entrepreneurial journey from building a sizeable business in 2009 to now being a no-BS (her words) Business Coach helping other entrepreneurs to be happy and successful in their work. Nothing stands in Libby's way, not even ADHD or Autism. Her interview is inspiring, energetic and down-to-earth and…

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Anniversary special - reflections on two years of change since the pandemic 34:55

2y ago34:55

34:55

This is our last episode of 2023 snd it's full of all things work-life balance. In this two-year anniversary pod, producer Karen Pirie and I go over the highlights of the 20 plus guests we have been lucky enough to interview since we launched in November 2021. We reflect on how the world of work has changed, how businesses have innovated and adapte…

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Coach and podcast host Rupert Turton on work life integration 25:44

2y ago25:44

25:44

Rupert talks about the challenges of remote coaching, working in isolation with his business partner and wife and how he coached businesses through lockdown. Remote working isn't new for Rupert but what he's witnessing is greater honesty among remote workers and leaders. Recommended read, listen and legacy and best ever boss at the end of the inter…

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Veronica Weedon - Making a career out of helping others with their business and personal relationships. 33:20

2y ago33:20

33:20

Veronica tells the moving story of how hitting rock bottom, emotionally and physically, led to life-changing choices for her and how she's made a business out of helping others improve personal and business relationship. Recommended read, listen and best ever boss at the end of the interview Sarah: Instagram: cripps.sarah and bigbalancetheory Twitt…

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Darius Matusiak, MD of Macildowie, award winning recruitment and retention consultancy 43:46

2+ y ago43:46

43:46

Darius gives us a real insight into why and how recruiting staff has changed. Though lockdown was a contributory factor, Brexit, a shortage of younger talent and the surge in early retirees have all contributed to a growth in vacancies and a skills shortage. Hear how businesses are having to adapt their offering and learn what candidates are lookin…

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Laura Mayfield - Accidental founder of Marketing OutsideIN 30:06

2+ y ago30:06

30:06

Laura shares the impact of lockdown to her business and her family, particularly for her son who is autistic and her daughter who has dyslexia. Hear how she learned she is more independent than she realised and how communications were critical to getting through lockdown. Sarah: Instagram: cripps.sarah and bigbalancetheory Twitter: @sarahcripps7 an…

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Ryan Sneddon of Big Safety Ltd…Big Boots UK says time is the greatest currency 24:11

2+ y ago24:11

24:11

In this episode we interview Ryan Sneddon. Covid gave him the courage to set up his own business and he has so many lessons and memories to share, from the joy of getting your first paycheck, to moving operations from the kitchen table, to picking and packing facilities. In just 18 months the company has turned over half a million pounds and he's o…

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Dan Lamoon – Showcasing dyslexic and entrepreneurial talents through video 38:02

2+ y ago38:02

38:02

In this episode, I interview Dan Lamoon, founder of Colab Creation, a video creation company. Dan uses his dyslexia as a strength to inspire and educate his corporate and educational clients. Learn how a digital company had to adapt during lockdown and hear why offline will always have its place for interrelations. Recommended read, listen and lega…

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Emma Phipps, MD of MD2MD group – an international community of business leaders 28:08

2+ y ago28:08

28:08

MD2MD addresses the problem that it can be 'lonely at the top' through confidential yet open discussions, workshops and facilitation among MDs and CEOs. Emma was promoted to MD during lockdown. She shares her rise to the top and how their business community fared during lockdown. Recommended read, listen and legacy are at the end of the interview K…

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Jeremy Snape - former England cricketer now a leading voice in the business world of high performance 40:31

2+ y ago40:31

40:31

In this episode we interview Jeremy Snape. After 19 years of professional cricketing, a series of awards and an MSc in Psychology, Jeremy shares how failure on the pitch inspired a serious exploration of the psychology of sport. He's now a highly respected voice on high performance for the business world. He's the founding leader of Sporting Edge, …

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Tom Roberts AKA Tom Foolery. Author of the phenomenally successful The Great Realisation poem and film. 37:35

2+ y ago37:35

37:35

For this episode I got brave and reached out to someone who had inspired me during lockdown. Tom's a poet, an author of two books and a filmmaker who has worked with Colin Farrell and Tim Roth. I'm so grateful he accepted my request to be interviewed. Lockdown provided him with an opportunity to make a name for himself but I have no doubt that he h…

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Jonathan Parsons VP HR EMEA at Hitachi Rail on his win-win strategy for hybrid working 38:37

2+ y ago38:37

38:37

In this episode we talk to one of the rare-in-post male senior HR executives. Jonathan shares how many organisations are placing too much emphasis on 'place' within the post-covid workplace and he offers his top tips for employee engagement and gaining a competitive advantage on talent acquisition. Greatest learning and recommended reads at the end…

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Professor Claire Thompson, CEO Agility Life Sciences, entrepreneur and philanthropist on not letting a crisis like Covid go to waste 31:39

3y ago31:39

31:39

In this episode we have a light-hearted chat about Claire's strategies, how she boosts her height by wearing eye-catching heels, and her childhood career ambition to be a stand up comedian. On a firmer footing she shares how she gives 'purpose time' to her team so they can develop themselves and others, plus we discuss the importance of values and …

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#11 - More rabbits, no murders, but a high death toll nonetheless 8:14

3y ago8:14

8:14

This is not a murder podcast, except for when it is. Instead, it is a quickfire general knowledge quiz podcast, with a focus on efficiency. It's not for everyone, but might it be for you? Collins Ultimate Quiz Night, the book used for questions - https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Collins-Ultimate-Night-Puzzle-Books/dp/0008541604?sa-no-redirect=1. Use Amaz…

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#10 - Please coax this podcast down the stairs one step at a time 7:53

3y ago7:53

7:53

This podcast doesn't have a ten-minute intro. It doesn't even have a ten-minute total run time. 25 Questions In About 8 Minutes Or So, by Mark Deeks, is a quickfire quiz pod, in which we (I) ask what are hopefully good general knowledge questions, and don't try to sell you anything. Well, except one book. Collins Ultimate Quiz Night, the book used …

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Matt Swarbrick - CMI Director on how supporting and being supported is critical to workplace well-being 43:36

3y ago43:36

43:36

In this episode we talk about Matt's journey since his time of depression and suicidal thoughts over 10 years ago and how this journey helped him to manage lockdown. Lots to learn from CMI and how they put people's health at the forefront. Greatest learning and recommended reads at the end of the interview. Karen: Instagram: karen.pirie and cornwal…

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#9 - The Spayed Cat Strut 8:09

3y ago8:09

8:09

Some podcasts have about 15 minutes of filler. This one doesn't. This is the ninth episode of the new quickfire quiz podcast, 25 Questions In About 8 Minutes Or So, by Mark Deeks. And one of the questions is about a spayed cat. Collins Ultimate Quiz Night, the book used for questions - https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Collins-Ultimate-Night-Puzzle-Books/…

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#7 - The Nuggets have a defensive problem, and it starts in the middle 7:27

3y ago7:27

7:27

Be as effusive with your praise of Nikola Jokic as you dare. He has earned it. The uber-Brad Miller is a sport-changing talent, an all-timer, someone with a gravitational effect on the entire league. Be fairly liberal in your appraisal of this year's Denver Nuggets, too. They are replete with offense, sporting a colossal seven players averaging dou…

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#8 - Wiff waff, epitaph puns and a bit of French accent on top 8:29

3y ago8:29

8:29

Quick-fire quiz! 25 general knowledge questions - mixed topics, mixed difficulty - knocked out in only eight minutes or so. Perfect for people who love quizzing podcasts, but who do not like protracted 15-minute intros quite as much. Topics in this edition include mackerel, Rod Stewart, Madame Tussauds and at least one cat. Collins Ultimate Quiz Ni…

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#6 - The Utah Jazz might be cooling off, but no one told Lauri Markkanen 5:44

3y ago5:44

5:44

All good things must come to an end. Having lost five games in a row, the hot start that the Utah Jazz got out to this season seems to have fully cooled off. They came out of the gates storming with an unlikely amount of synergy, and peeled off 12 wins in their first 18 games. They were considerably better than everyone expected, including those wh…

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#5 - Ayo Dosunmu and the threat of the Arenas Provision 15:01

3y ago15:01

15:01

Across successive NBA Collective Bargaining Agreements, instruments have been put in place to protect teams against the threat of losing their best young talents to free agency, theoretically correcting a situation brought about by years of travel in the opposite direction. Restricted free agency is an imperfect tool, though, and there does still e…

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#4 - The Reimagining Of Kevin Love 7:41

3y ago7:41

7:41

Father time, they say, is undefeated. But you can at least negotiate with him. In what will indisputably be the latter stages of his career, Cleveland Cavaliers big man Kevin Love is holding back the inevitable. As the hair greys and the team around him transforms, he remains the mainstay, the lone holdover from the championship era, the bridge to …

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#7 - PRO TIP; If you can't catch, don't throw 8:12

3y ago8:12

8:12

The seventh episode of the new rapid-fire quiz podcast, 25 Questions In About 8 Minutes Or So, by Mark Deeks. Includes questions on perfume, diseases, SEGA consoles and being mutilated by animals. So, something for everyone there. Collins Ultimate Quiz Night, the book used for questions - https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Collins-Ultimate-Night-Puzzle-Boo…

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#3 - DeAndre Ayton Figured It Out, This Month At Least 5:43

3y ago5:43

5:43

For whatever reason, Deandre Ayton has become the barometer by which the Phoenix Suns are often measured. The man who has simultaneously been a big-minute starter and an afterthought, who they did not much value yet whom they gave a maximum salary to, who they would not extend but who they would match an offer sheet for, and who can be both underwh…

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#6 - I can only apologise for the singing in this one 8:01

3y ago8:01

8:01

The sixth episode of the new rapid-fire quiz podcast, 25 Questions In About 8 Minutes Or So, by Mark Deeks. CONTENT WARNING: There is a brief period of very bad falsetto singing in this episode. I was caught up in the mood, sorry. Collins Ultimate Quiz Night, the book used for questions - https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Collins-Ultimate-Night-Puzzle-Boo…

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#5 - I'm assuming you scored 25/25, right? 8:05

3y ago8:05

8:05

The fifth episode of the new rapid-fire quiz podcast, 25 Questions In About 8 Minutes Or So, by Mark Deeks. I almost break into song during this episode. And for that, I can only apologise. Collins Ultimate Quiz Night, the book used for questions - https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Collins-Ultimate-Night-Puzzle-Books/dp/0008541604?sa-no-redirect=1 Follow …

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#4 - Rabbits, murderers and cyanide 7:42

3y ago7:42

7:42

The fourth of four (thus far) episodes of the new rapid-fire quiz podcast, 25 Questions In About 8 Minutes Or So, by Mark Deeks. Spoken in the kind of dispassionate voice you might more commonly associate with a bailiff or insurance claims handler. Collins Ultimate Quiz Night, the book used for questions - https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Collins-Ultimat…

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#2 - If This Is Close To What Tyrese Maxey Will Be, Watch Out 6:01

3y ago6:01

6:01

The Philadelphia 76ers drafted Tyrese Maxey with the 21st overall pick in 2020, directly between Precious Achiuwa and Zeke Nnaji. He had averaged 14.0 points, 4.2 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game in a heavy minutes share in his only season at Kentucky, but had not really shone in any area of the game; while he had few weaknesses and played with en…