Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey is enjoying his best professional season yet and just made his first appearance in the NBA All-Star Game.
The 23-year-old former Kentucky standout is having a breakout season and has emerged as a second star alongside Joel Embiid for Philadelphia. He was chosen to represent the Eastern Conference after averaging a career-high 25.7 points and 6.4 assists per game.
While he was in Indiana for the festivities, Maxey received deserved praise from many around the league, including Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant, who said the guard could eventually become one of the faces of the NBA.
For The Win chatted with Maxey on Saturday to discuss his time at All-Star Weekend, his goals for the remainder of the season and more.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
What are some of your goals for after the All-Star break?
For me, I want to just keep building this culture with our team. Our coach, Nick Nurse, came in and is trying to establish something different. I feel like we’ve done that. It’s crazy because Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris and then me as the longest-tenured guys on the 76ers. That’s just so hard to believe because time flies. I’ve really been here for four years now. So that’s crazy.
I still feel extremely young. I still feel like it’s my first day. I’m just trying to keep building this culture, keep guys happy and keep the organization happy, go out, compete and keep winning games.
Aside from the game, what were some of the highlights of All-Star Weekend?
As a kid, growing up playing basketball, I looked forward to watching the All-Star Game. You got to stay up late on a Sunday night and watch hoops. I was extremely happy about it. I was glad my entire family was there to watch. I did a lot in a little time. It’s been great. It was a lot of stuff back-to-back that was fun.
Something that really stood out to me was doing a live podcast with A’ja Wilson. That was really cool. I also got to connect with the fans and connect with all of the other players there. There were a lot of teams combining and it was a good energy.
What was it like for you to introduce your family to Allen Iverson?
you never know who you’ll run into at #NBAAllStar! pic.twitter.com/wV3CQiZPWw
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 16, 2024
That was dope. I see him all the time. We talk all the time. He is a great dude. He’s been in my corner since day one. But he got to meet my family like my grandmother, my mom, my dad and my sisters. That was so great. I always talk to him and tell my mom I know him. But until they met him, they probably didn’t believe me. So for that situation to happen in Indiana was great.
Kevin Durant mentioned you as a potential face of the NBA. What was your reaction?
Kevin Durant was asked who are the next ones who to serve as face of the league with LeBron James, Stephen Curry and himself having been those guys."
He dropped a few names with Devin Booker being one of them. #Suns #NBAAllStar2024 pic.twitter.com/3WsujvEjzD
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 17, 2024
You have to appreciate that. He is one of the greatest, honestly. As kids, my generation looked up to him when we were growing up. He is probably one of the most unguardable players to ever play the game of basketball. To have that recognition from him is much love, and I really appreciate him for that.
You play the game with so much joy. Where does that come from for you?
I’m able to channel it because it’s real joy. I’m extremely happy to be out there competing with my teammates and just playing the game that I love every single day. I couldn’t ask for anything more. It’s a blessed opportunity, and I’m just thankful every morning. You never know, and I’m so appreciative of it.
You recently connected with a young fan. What can you tell me about that interaction?
WHO’S CUTTING ONIONS? 🥹 pic.twitter.com/1alrVzeS0H
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 13, 2024
Honestly, for me, that’s what it’s all about. I know we go out there, and we compete, and we have a lot of fun while doing it. But it’s to inspire the youth. I say that not just talking about basketball but life in general. I always try to tell people that whatever you want to do, whether it’s to be a basketball player or a teacher, just get one percent better every single day and go out there and attack it.
How surreal was it for you to see the billboard of yourself in Indiana?
That moment @TyreseMaxey saw himself on a @NewBalanceHoops Billboard for the first time #WeGotNow pic.twitter.com/8IFku8x1qG
— NBA (@NBA) February 17, 2024
Extremely. It’s a moment that as a kid, growing up, you see your idols on billboards and you see commercials and all those things. But once you’re in it, it’s crazy. I appreciate New Balance, and I appreciate everybody who helped that come to light.
What are some other off-court opportunities you did at All-Star Weekend?
With Starry, they had this thing where fans could win cash prizes, which was a dope experience. Starry has been great. They do a good job of connecting with the fans and with the community. For me, it hits different. It’s my go-to lemon-lime soda. I really do appreciate them. They’ve been great. I have a lot of it in my house. I give it to my neighbors, too.
