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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 26: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers smiles and points as he becomes the franchise leader in three point baskets made during the first quarter against the Miami Heat at Xfinity Mobile Arena on February 26, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia 76ers have been one of the surprises in the Eastern Conference. They were always seen as a talented team, but health was a big question. Tyrese Maxey has made a leap to an All-NBA-caliber player, and that makes them dangerous.
Right now, the Sixers are sixth in the Eastern Conference standings. Maxey’s development is a big reason why they have been able to stay in the top six all season long. He’s not the only player who has made a massive leap in his development this season.
Victor Wembanyama has also made a giant leap. He will likely get MVP votes if he is able to stay eligible for the award. Maxey knew Wembanyama was going to be a problem way back in 2022.
GettySan Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama looks on during a game. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
76ers’ Tryese Maxey Tells Incredible Victor Wembanyama Story
Maxey recently shared when he knew Wembanyama was going to be an elite NBA player.
“I knew he was going to be really good, because I work out early, and he was coming in to work out right after me, and he walks up to Tim (Martin) and was like, ‘Hey Tim, I want to play Tyrese one-on-one. And I’m like, ‘Huh?’ Like, you ain’t even stretch or nothing yet.”
Then Maxey saw what kind of prospect he could turn into.
“He’s like, ‘No, I want to play one-on-one, but I want to be all-time defense.’ I had never heard a player say that. I’m fresh. Like’s he’s not fresh. So I’m coming down, I’m doing like the same moves I always do, and I get to the paint, come to my right layup, and he grabs my layup off the glass.”
Maxey hadn’t seen someone move that quickly to get to his shot like that. That’s when he realized that Wembanyama, even at a young age, was going to be ready to play in the league really quickly.
GettyPhiladelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey shoots the ball. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
76ers Guard Tyrese Maxey Respects Greatness
Maxey certainly respects greatness when he sees it. That’s what Wembanyama has, and the Spurs hope he’s ready to make a playoff leap. The 76ers are hoping that Maxey can make a similar leap this season. He is the best player on the team now, even with Joel Embiid still showing occasional moments of greatness.
Embiid’s failure to stay healthy is an issue. Paul George will return from his suspension right before the playoffs start, so that will help their perimeter defense. Right now, the 76ers have the 16th-best defense in the NBA. That needs to be a bit better to succeed in the postseason.
Maxey’s speed is a weapon that very few other guards in the league possess. He hopes his ability to get downhill is too tough for other teams to stop him. His ability, along with the team’s overall health, will determine just how far they are able to make it in the playoffs.
Ryan Stano Ryan Stano covers the NBA for Heavy.com. He has been covering sports since 2017, covering the NFL, College Football, College Basketball, and the NBA. His work has been featured on Yahoo, Bleacher Report, FanSided, and Sports Illustrated. More about Ryan Stano
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