Tyrese Maxey started his press conference visibly upbeat, lightly drumming the table and asking reporters whether they liked his new white left arm sleeve: “Yay or nay?”
But don’t be fooled. The rising 24-year-old star point guard of the Philadelphia 76ers has set some serious goals for the team and himself this year as he returns healthy for the upcoming 2025-2026 NBA season.
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In the past three seasons, he has been essential to the 76ers, emerging as a star replacement for franchise player Joel Embiid, who has been plagued by knee injuries. He seems to be approaching the new season with unbridled optimism and renewed motivation to set a new standard and build an identity in Philadelphia.
“I think the biggest thing that I’m trying to accomplish is we need a standard,” he said. “Like this is who we are no matter every single day no matter who plays, no matter who doesn’t play. When you see the Philadelphia 76ers, this is what you see.”
Changing the Philly narrative
In 2024-2025, the Sixers finished with their worst record since 2016-2017. Before last year, Philly had been a consistent playoff contender for seven straight seasons, five of which were semifinal appearances.
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However, Embiid’s injuries have sidelined him in many games in recent years, foiling the team’s ability to run its system, which is heavily centralized on the star big man.
Now, Embiid and Paul George — who was expected to be one of the team’s key cogs — are still recovering from their injuries, and their return timeline is still uncertain.
However, Maxey believes that building a new winning culture should not hinge on the availability of certain players.
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“We’re trying to create an identity where, no matter who plays, like I’m not playing, Jo’s not playing, Jared is not playing, Paul’s not playing, whoever, it doesn’t matter,” he said. “The 76ers are going to play this way every single night, no matter who’s out there. We’re going to compete, we’re going to play hard, and that’s what it has to come down to.”
Maxey wants to lead Philly to victory
With Embiid hobbled, Maxey has had many opportunities to shine. He gained his first All-Star selection in the 2023-2024 season, averaging 25.9 points and 6.2 assists and taking home the Most Improved Player award.
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He then had his best season in his career to date last year, leading the Sixers in scoring 26.3 points and 6.1 assists in 53 games. Then, with three games left in the season, Maxey was ruled out due to his persistent right finger sprain.
Now, Maxey, who is 28th in ESPN’s 2025 player rankings, has taken it upon himself to lead Philly back to contending status this season.
“I’ve never lost in my career. So it was good for me to go through that and also become a better leader,” he said. “That’s just not because I’m older. I think it’s more because I want to win; I want to do things the right way.”
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He is expected to serve as a playmaker for a faster and younger lineup bannered by Jared McCain, 2025 no. 3 pick VJ Edgecombe, and Quentin Grimes, noticeably highlighting the team’s lack of size. But, having seen the Sixers’ hard work during the summer, Maxey knows the team will just do all right.
“I think the biggest thing that this team and this organization need to work on is ourselves,” he said. “…make sure the culture is right and make sure that we’re all stepping in the right direction.”
Maxey knows the Sixers need more than talent to contend, and heading into his sixth season, he’s ready to lead that change.
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This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.