Some players get into the NBA with plenty of hype but fail to live up to it. Others arrive with little or no fanfare and build a reputation for themselves. Then some enter with high expectations, build a formidable reputation, and more importantly, live up to the hype. The latter is the case of Tyrese Maxey.
The Philadelphia 76ers guard celebrates his 26th birthday today, 4th of November, 2026. From a promising young prospect selected 21st overall in the 2020 NBA Draft to a two-time All-Star and All-NBA selection, Maxey’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
Maxey is no longer simply a talented young guard in Philadelphia. He has established himself as one of the NBA’s most exciting offensive players to watch, and a central figure in the 76ers.
Kentucky to Philadelphia
Born on November 4, 2000, in Dallas, Texas, to Denyse and Tyrone Maxey. He began his basketball at South Garland High School, helping the team to their first-ever Texas state high school basketball tournament appearance in 2018.
He committed to the University of Kentucky the following year. His college career lasted just one season, interrupted by the COVID-19 Pandemic, but it was enough to attract attention. Maxey averaged 14.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 31 appearances for the Wildcats during the 2019-20 season.
He earned All-SEC Second Team and SEC All-Freshman Team honors, strengthening his claim as a prospect to watch out for ahead of the NBA Draft.
Philadelphia eventually selected him with the 21st overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
However, only a few could have predicted how important his selection would become to the franchise’s future.
A Promising Rookie to a Star
Maxey’s introduction to the NBA was nothing short of expected. During his rookie campaign in 2020-21, he averaged 8.0 points per game, in 15 minutes per game, gradually growing into reliable guard.
His improvement became more evident in subsequent seasons.
He averaged 17.5 points in 2021-22 season, before reaching the 20-point mark in 2022-23, recording 20.3 points per game.
His greatest attribute is the ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, and creating opportunities for teammates, making him increasingly important offensively.
The 2023-24 season, however, marked the emergence.
With Joel embiid missing considerable time through injury. Maxey assumed greater offensive role and delivered the best season of his career at that point.
He averaged 25.9 points, 6.2 assists and 3.7 rebounds, earning his first NBA All-Star selection. His performances also earned him the 2023-24 NBA Most Improved Player award.
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star Tyrese Maxey has won the 2023-24 NBA Most Improved Player of the Year award. https://t.co/gnAtw6ikHI
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 23, 2024
He recorded three 50-point performances that season, including a career high 52 points against the San Antonio Spurs.
That season officially announced Maxey among the league’s rising stars.
Another Level
In 2024-25, Maxey continued to improve and prove doubters wrong. He averaged 26.3 points and 6.2 assists per game, maintaining his role as Philadelphia’s leading offensive threat.
The following season was more statement performance from Maxey, solidifying his claim as a generational talent.
He averaged career highs of 28.3 points, 6.6 assists and 4.1 rebounds across 70 appearances in the 2025-26 regular season. He also recorded 1.9 steals per game while shooting 46.2 per cent from the field and 36.7 per cent from beyond the arc.
His scoring game became more consistent, registering at least 20 points in 63 games and surpassing the 30-point mark on 28 occasions.
His growing influence reflected in his recognition across the league. Maxey earned his second All-Star selection and first All-NBA honor, cementing his place among NBA’s elite guard.
For a franchise with a rich basketball history, Maxey surpassed Allen Iverson’s franchise record for three-pointers made reaching 887 successful shots from beyond the arc in 375 games.
The Maxey Era: What Comes Next?
At 26, Maxey is entering another chapter of his NBA Career.
He hits the growing running this season already, with an average of 29.1 points per game, in 8 games.
Now, with the King of the East (Lebron James) added to the mix, there will be greater expectations. Yankee Scores reports
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TYRESE MAXEY!!!!
