There’s something different about Tyrese Maxey. It's not just the numbers—though those are impressive enough. It’s the attitude. The relentless motor. The laser-focused grind. As the NBA landscape gets ready for another whirlwind season, the Philadelphia 76ers’ rising superstar is sending a message loud and clear: he’s not satisfied.
Maxey’s 2024-25 campaign was nothing short of electric. With the Sixers plagued by injuries and constant lineup shifts, the 5-year guard from Kentucky put the team on his back. He dropped a career-high 26.3 points per game while dishing out 6.1 assists and grabbing 3.3 rebounds. Not bad for a guy who wasn’t even supposed to be the primary option two years ago.
But here’s the thing: Maxey doesn’t just want to be great—he wants to stay great. That’s a different kind of hunger.
🔥 “1% Better” – The Maxey Mantra
Scroll through Maxey’s Twitter feed, and you’ll probably find the same phrase sprinkled throughout his posts: “1%.”
Simple? Sure.
Motivational? Absolutely.
But more than that—it’s a philosophy.
That mantra isn’t just a tweet. It’s how Maxey approaches every workout, every film session, every rep in the weight room. The idea is straightforward: if you get 1% better every single day, eventually, you're unrecognizable from where you started.
And it shows. This offseason, Maxey’s not taking it easy. He’s out there grinding with NBA vets like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope—a two-time NBA champion known for his gritty defense and smart play. Maxey isn’t chasing clout. He’s chasing knowledge.
💪 Grinding with Champions: Maxey’s Summer Workouts
Instead of vacationing or laying low, Maxey was spotted training alongside KCP. That says a lot about his mindset. Caldwell-Pope isn’t just a random offseason companion—he’s someone who’s tasted championship gold twice and knows what it takes to win at the highest level.
This kind of mentorship can be pivotal for someone like Maxey, who’s transitioning from a breakout scorer into a franchise cornerstone and locker room leader. The fact that he’s open to learning from anyone—no matter the team or jersey—is another reflection of that “1%” grind.
📈 More Than Stats: Maxey’s Role as a Leader
While his stats jump off the page, Maxey’s biggest leap might not be in the box score at all. It’s in his voice. His presence. With Joel Embiid missing significant time last season, Maxey had to do more than score—he had to inspire. And he did just that.
Sixers fans watched him mature before their eyes. He wasn’t just hitting step-back threes and bursting to the rim—he was directing traffic, holding teammates accountable, and speaking up in huddles. Leadership isn’t something you can teach. It has to grow organically. Maxey? He’s blossoming.
And with guys like Paul George joining the fold, there’s real potential for a deep playoff push in Philly. But for that to happen, Maxey’s growth can't plateau. Good news? That doesn’t seem like a concern.
🧠 Learning Mode: Why Maxey’s Growth Curve is Just Starting
Here’s a key detail about Maxey that sets him apart from many other young stars: he’s not allergic to critique. In fact, he welcomes it. Whether it's a veteran’s tip, a coach’s film breakdown, or a teammate’s suggestion, Maxey absorbs it all.
This attitude keeps him coachable, hungry, and always on an upward trajectory. Combine that mindset with his athleticism and court IQ, and you’ve got the blueprint for a long-term All-Star.
🤕 Injury Bug and the Sixers’ Road Ahead
Let’s be honest—the Sixers had one of the most frustrating injury-riddled seasons in recent memory. Joel Embiid’s absence was crushing. Paul George had his own bumps and bruises. And for large stretches, the team looked like a collection of role players being carried by Maxey’s energy.
But that could all change this year. If Embiid can stay healthy and George can slide seamlessly into his role, this team has firepower on both ends. Maxey as the dynamic offensive engine, Embiid as the MVP-level anchor, and George as the silky-smooth two-way wing? That’s a trio that could scare just about anyone.
The Sixers on paper are a contender. But NBA titles aren’t won on paper—they’re won through sweat, chemistry, and grit. That’s why Maxey’s summer work matters so much. He’s not just sharpening his shot—he’s cultivating a mindset that can carry Philly through the toughest stretches of the season.
📌 Key Reasons to Be Excited About Maxey’s 2025-26 Season:
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He’s working with champions: Training with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope proves Maxey is taking winning seriously.
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He’s already a proven scorer: 26.3 PPG in the last season without full support.
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Leadership is blossoming: He stepped up vocally and emotionally in the absence of stars.
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He has a winning mindset: That "1% better every day" mentality is contagious.
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He’s the heart of the Sixers' hopes: With a healthy roster, Maxey is the X-factor in making a deep postseason run.
🚀 Final Word: This is Only the Beginning
What’s easy to forget is that Tyrese Maxey is just getting started. At 24, he’s already proven he can carry a team, elevate in big moments, and command respect across the league. But if you ask him? He’ll probably say he’s only 60% of what he wants to become.
That should scare the rest of the NBA.
So as we inch closer to the 2025-26 season, all eyes in Philly—and around the league—should be watching #0. Because if Maxey keeps stacking those 1% gains? He won’t just be an All-Star. He might just be the face of the franchise’s next championship window.
Stay tuned. The grind is real, and Maxey’s just revving up.
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