Tyrese Maxey talks about ‘weathering the storm’ vs. Knicks, preparing teammates for Philly fans and more
Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey sat down with The Inquirer to talk about the Philly fandom, the season opener, and more.
Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey has kept himself busy this offseason — from training with Sixers additions Jaylen Brown and LeBron James to hosting his third annual Maxey’s Friends & Family Weekend and visiting local shops to promote his new signature New Balance sneakers.
Now, less than one week away from the team’s season opener against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, the two-time All-Star continues to show love to the community.
Sixers fans lined up in front of the Xfinity Store on Walnut Street, waiting in anticipation to meet Maxey as Xfinity hosted its NBA tip-off fan celebration.
“This right here has been amazing, seeing the fans, seeing everybody here,” Maxey said. “I think everybody is connected. So, it’s really cool.”
Fans were also able to get limited-time exclusive 76ers- inspired merch designed by artist David Flores, and participate in basketball challenges and activations. During the event, Maxey spoke with The Inquirer to discuss Sixers fandom, the upcoming season and more.
Q: Can you tell me a little bit about how this season compares to any other season when it comes to the reception and fan enthusiasm surrounding the team’s return?
A: Yeah, I think this season is going to be remarkable, honestly. I think we’ve done a good job at just trying to put a team together who can compete at the highest level. And I think the connectivity that we all have, everybody will be able to see it and the fans will really enjoy it.
Q: How has it been for you getting back on the court after a very eventful offseason?
A: It’s been great. It’s been amazing. Like I said, my teammates — the chemistry has been pretty good. The camaraderie has been pretty good. I think we’re all happy to be here and we’re an extremely competitive group. So, we’re just excited to get started.
Q: What are expectations for the season opener against the defending champions, the New York Knicks, on banner night?
A: I mean, it’ll definitely be cool, you know. Congrats to New York. It’s a start of a new journey for the 2026-27 year. I think we’ll do a good job of just kind of weathering that storm. We have a lot of experienced guys who have been in moments that are pretty big so it’ll be fun.
Q: Obviously, you’re still young but how has your approach to leadership evolved being surrounded by so many veteran champions and All-Stars?
A: I mean, I’ve been here for a long time. Me and Joel [Embiid] have been here, the longest-tenured players. So, it’s just funny because I’ve been through a lot. I’ve seen a lot. And now, I’m just blessed to really be here with some really good guys, a really great team, and a great organization that has really helped me. So, I’m happy.
Q: Philly fans are a different breed, you know this after playing in the city for what’s now about to be seven seasons. How are you preparing your new teammates for this fan base?
A: There’s no preparing them for Philly fans. They just have to go out and go experience it for themselves. But, one thing I will say about the city of Philadelphia is they love you. They’re going to be tough on you. They’re going to be hard on you. But you can’t ask for anything better than that.
Q: And I got to ask you what your favorite LeBron meme is?
A: I have no idea. No clue off the top of my head. He has a few. He’s given me a few being on my team. So, I’m going to keep those in house, keep them for myself.
