A.I. is in Maxey’s Corner
Through nineteen games of this NBA season, Tyrese Maxey is third in scoring, averaging 32.3 points, and seventh in assists at 7.6 per contest. Every night, number 0 gives the Sixers a fighting chance at victory. He electrifies the crowds with his speed, finesse, and ability to finish acrobatic shots, not to mention his three-point shooting prowess.
Sixers fans have not seen this kind of entertaining play from an individual since number 3 was going end to end, attacking the paint with the fearlessness this city loved and still applauds today. Allen Iverson set the highest standard for basketball entertainment, showcasing it from his first game as a rookie through the day he was traded in 2006.
Almost 20 years have passed since Iverson’s Sixers career ended, but he remains a Sixer through and through, using the word “we” when describing the team’s current play. When he speaks about Maxey and his new backcourt mate, VJ Edgecombe, the admiration is undeniable.
“I’m just excited. I’m their number one fan,” Iverson said. “I love my team. I’m looking forward to great things. When we don’t do as well as we should, I always get flak. People talk badly to me. Because they know this is where my heart is at. But I’ve got something for them this year!”
When asked if he sees himself in Maxey’s play, Iverson didn’t hesitate to answer.
“That’s a fact,” Iverson said. “He’s just bigger and stronger, but with the same killer attitude. He has the same confidence. And I love it. I love everything about him.”
Iverson was a 6-foot point guard weighing 165 pounds. Maxey has him beat by two inches and 35 pounds. As Maxey’s game has grown into the all-star level it is, Iverson has constantly encouraged him to be the leader and star he is capable of being.
“A.I. has been in my corner for a long time, probably since the day I was drafted,” Maxey said. “I appreciate him. He is a Philly legend. He is a Philly great, if not the greatest. He brings a lot of energy and positivity. He pushes me to be the best version of myself and to go out there and leave it all on the floor. That is what I try to do.”
Iverson is not alone in seeing the greatness Maxey, now in his sixth NBA season, possesses. Maxey’s current teammates marvel at what he is doing and want to do their part to lessen his hefty load.
“He’s a warrior,” Paul George described. “There is no question about it. He is a warrior and a fighter. He takes so many hits. Teams continue to hold him and grab him. He hits the ground so many times, and he bounces right back up. There is a leadership about him. When he’s out there, I play for him. I do everything I can to make the game easier for him. He’s our guy. For me, as a veteran, it’s inspiring. For him to consistently do it and be efficient with all the minutes he is playing, it is impressive.”
On December 1st, Tyrese Maxey was the only player in the NBA averaging 40 minutes a game.
“He is elite,” VJ Edgecombe said. “He is so dynamic. He is really good at basketball, so I sit there and watch the shots he makes. Now I expect it. I am not surprised by anything he does.”
The one teammate who can best relate to what Maxey is doing is Joel Embiid. It feels like a lifetime ago, but there was a time Embiid put together an MVP season. In the 2022-23 season, Embiid averaged 33 points and 10 rebounds. Maxey is in the MVP conversation for this season, and Embiid will do whatever he can to assist his point guard. The problem is his body will not let him do what his brain and heart want.
“I do feel bad,” Embiid said. “It’s unfortunate, but I can only control what I can control. If anyone thinks I don’t want to play every game, that is their problem. I would give anything to play basketball. I feel bad for the minutes Tyrese has to play and the load that he has to handle. I have been there. But you have to trust in what you are doing and in God and be okay with the fact that whatever happens, happens.
“I’m doing my rehab and trying to come back as soon as I can. He is having a champion-like season. I wish I could be part of it. It’s amazing what he has been able to accomplish this season. He has done a fantastic job.”
Tyrese Maxey is a breath of fresh air in today’s professional sports world. His work ethic is unmatched, and his personality is charismatic. He deserves all the praise that is coming his way.
