Since joining the Philadelphia 76ers in 2020, Tyrese Maxey has had the opportunity to develop alongside franchise cornerstone Joel Embiid. The two players have forged a close bond resembling a big brother-little brother relationship, fueled by their age and height differences. As they prepare for the upcoming seasons, Maxey and Embiid remain focused on leading the Sixers back to championship contention.
Throughout their time together, Embiid has frequently hailed Maxey as the team’s future, while Maxey continues to express admiration for Embiid’s elite talent. Their strong connection on and off the court underpins Philadelphia’s hopes for renewed success in 2026 and beyond.
Maxey Praises Embiid’s Remarkable Skills During Podcast Interview
During an appearance on The Deep 3 podcast, Maxey shared insights into his relationship with Embiid and revealed his ongoing awe of the star big man’s versatile offensive game. Reflecting on a recent conversation with a friend, Maxey highlighted Embiid’s diverse skill set, including his ability to execute rare moves for a player of his size.
“I was talking to like my little brother the other day, like one of my best friends. And we was messing like, have you ever seen Joel do a jump hook? We found some clips of him doing jump hooks. While we found those clips we also found clips of him doing step-backs and between the legs hesi pull-ups,”
Maxey said.
“I was like bro this dude is special dude. I’m just blessed to be apart of like his career, the best moments of his career.”
“This dude is special…I’m just blessed to be a part of some of the best moments of his career, and I can’t wait to see him get back out there.”
– Tyrese Maxey on playing with Joel Embiid (via @TheDeep3Podcast)
Impact of the Partnership on Maxey’s Growth and Team Prospects
Playing alongside a dominant presence such as Embiid has positively influenced Maxey’s growth as a guard. Embiid’s ability to draw defensive attention creates opportunities for Maxey to thrive offensively, while Maxey has consciously refined his own skill set to better complement his teammate’s style of play. This synergy remains crucial as the 76ers aim to elevate their performance.
However, the 2025 season proved challenging for both players due to extensive injuries that kept them off the court for significant periods. With their health returning, Maxey and Embiid are determined to regain their form in time for the 2026 season, fueling hope among fans and analysts that Philadelphia can reassert itself as a top contender.
Philadelphia’s Future Hinges on Duo’s Return and Performance
The combined talents of Maxey and Embiid are central to the Philadelphia 76ers‘ strategy to compete at the highest level. Their strong personal and professional bond will be instrumental in overcoming last season’s setbacks. As they prepare for a pivotal year, expectations are high that this duo will spearhead the team‘s effort to make a deep playoff run and chase an NBA championship.
Following a difficult campaign, their readiness and sustained development stand as crucial factors shaping the Sixers’ trajectory. Observers and fans alike await the duo’s return to full health and impactful performances, which could reinvigorate Philadelphia’s championship aspirations.