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Tyrese Maxey says he why losing with Philadelphia 76ers was good for his career
Credit: Emilee Chinn/Mitchell Leff via Getty Images

The Philadelphia 76ers have had a nightmare over the past few seasons, but Tyrese Maxey has always been a bright spot. Now that they are entering the 2025-26 season, Maxey has concrete goals with the 76ers.

Entering the 2025-26 NBA season, not much has changed with the Philadelphia 76ers. They are still dealing with injuries to Joel Embiid, Jared McCain, and Paul George. Despite all their problems, Tyrese Maxey has remained a budding star player.

Maxey is focused on helping the team, but he wants everyone to follow his example. He wants the 76ers to have an edge over the other teams, as they could establish an identity that makes them compete on the same level as the top Eastern Conference teams.

The 76ers already have promising players on the roster, including VJ Edgecombe, whom Maxey sees as a special player. Outside of them and a potential Quentin Grimes return, the 76ers’ future appears bleak, but Maxey is confident they can bounce back.

Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

Maxey wants the 76ers to establish themselves in the 2025-26 season

At 24, Maxey still has a bright future in the NBA. Despite being a younger player, Maxey already has lofty goals for himself and the rest of the 76ers team. To reach these high standards, the All-Star guard is asking his teammates and the front office to step up.

It is a valid goal for a young player like him because he wants the rest of the team to be ambitious. With older players like George and Embiid on the roster struggling, Maxey intends to win with them while they are still capable of playing at a high level.

The 2024-25 season was the 76ers’ worst campaign since the 2016-17 season. They have been a consistent Playoff team for a long time, but the injuries have continued to be an issue for the team. Maxey wants to help the team return to the pinnacle of the Eastern Conference.

“We’re trying to create an identity where, no matter who plays, like I’m not playing, Jo’s not playing, Jared is not playing, Paul’s not playing, whoever, it doesn’t matter. The 76ers are going to play this way every single night, no matter who’s out there,” Maxey said in his media day presser.

“We’re going to compete, we’re going to play hard, and that’s what it has to come down to… I’ve never lost in my career.

“So it was good for me to go through that and also become a better leader.”

“That’s just not because I’m older. I think it’s more because I want to win; I want to do things the right way.”

The 76ers could be a surprising team in the 2025-26 season

Even though they are still struggling with injuries, the 76ers could be one of the dark horses in the Eastern Conference. Embiid, George, and McCain returning sometime soon could lead them to go on a hot streak.

In the meantime, they must rely on Maxey to shoulder the load for the 76ers. Edgecombe could prove his potential when he gets massive opportunities in the first few months of his career. When the other core players return, the 76ers could be a tough team to beat for any other NBA team.

Nick Nurse is a top-tier head coach, so he can find a way to help this team compete at the highest level. The expectations are low for the 76ers, which could lead to some impressive performances from this team.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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