When the Philadelphia 76ers selected Tyrese Maxey with the 21st pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, few imagined he would transform from an energetic bench spark into the face of the franchise and one of the NBA’s most electrifying stars. Now, midway through the 2025-26 season, Maxey’s meteoric rise has become the talk of Philadelphia—and the entire league. Averaging a blistering 30.9 points per game, leading the NBA in minutes, and igniting an All-Star campaign fueled by his favorite snack, Maxey’s story is one of relentless growth, leadership, and a dash of popcorn-flavored fun.
Back in his rookie year, Maxey had to carve out minutes behind established stars like Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. He was known for his quick first step, high energy, and instant impact off the bench, but nobody predicted he’d soon be mentioned among the league’s elite. Fast-forward five seasons, and Maxey’s evolution is nothing short of remarkable. As of January 15, 2026, he’s not just scoring at an elite clip—he’s doing it with efficiency and poise, shooting 48.0% from the field, 40.9% from three-point range, and an impressive 87.6% from the free-throw line. He’s logging nearly 40 minutes per night and launching a league-leading 22.4 field goal attempts and 9.2 threes per game. Talk about volume and stamina!
But Maxey’s impact goes far beyond the stat sheet. The 25-year-old guard has blossomed into the Sixers’ undisputed leader, both on and off the court. With injuries and load management sidelining key big men like Embiid and Paul George, Maxey has stepped up in every way. His relentless pace, vocal leadership, and infectious energy have sparked a team-wide resurgence, infusing the Sixers with a new sense of belief and accountability. As of mid-January, Philadelphia boasts a 22-16 record and is climbing the Eastern Conference standings, a testament to Maxey’s influence and the team’s resilience.
It’s not just local fans taking notice. Maxey is currently among the top three in fan voting for the Eastern Conference All-Star starters, trailing only Giannis Antetokounmpo in some tallies. After earning his first All-Star nod as a reserve in 2024, Maxey is now on the cusp of being named a starter for the first time, with the 2026 NBA All-Star Game set for Los Angeles. The Sixers are pulling out all the stops to ensure their star guard gets the recognition he deserves, even launching a playful campaign centered around Maxey’s well-known love of popcorn. Media members have been treated to boxes of popcorn and faux movie tickets to encourage All-Star votes for both Maxey and Embiid. It’s a quirky strategy, but one that fits Maxey’s personality—and his mother’s insistence that popcorn, with its good fiber, was the perfect snack.
Maxey’s ascent has also shifted the Sixers’ internal dynamics. For years, Joel Embiid was the franchise’s centerpiece, a former MVP and scoring champion who routinely put up 30+ points and double-digit rebounds. But injuries have limited Embiid to just 20 games this season, during which he’s averaged 23.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks—a solid line, but a step down from his peak. The Sixers are 12-8 with Embiid in the lineup and 10-8 without him, scoring just 1.7 more points per game when he plays. It’s clear that while Embiid remains a vital presence, the team’s engine now runs on Maxey’s fuel.
The numbers paint a vivid picture: Maxey not only leads the league in minutes but also in field-goal attempts, all while maintaining elite shooting percentages. He’s averaging 6.7 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game, showing growth as a playmaker and rebounder. Defensively, he’s stepped up as well, tying his career-high in blocked shots through just 36 games and averaging 1.9 steals per contest. That’s a far cry from his early days, when defense was seen as a work in progress. According to Sixers staff, “Maxey’s become an above-average defender, and his energy is contagious.”
His teammates have taken notice, too. Joel Embiid and Paul George have both publicly praised Maxey’s leadership and maturity. Embiid recently said, “He’s the guy who’s taken over as captain.” George echoed those sentiments, noting how Maxey’s intensity and positivity have uplifted the entire locker room. It’s a changing of the guard in Philly, and the city is embracing the new era.
Maxey’s journey hasn’t been without its quirks. The popcorn connection has become part of his legend. Sixers staffers leave a box of popcorn in his locker after every game, and when the team visits Chicago, an attendant brings him a trash bag full of it. Maxey credits his mother for instilling his love of the snack, joking that maybe the fiber is the secret to his outside shooting. The NBA’s all-time three-point leader, Steph Curry, is also famous for his popcorn obsession—though he’s not a fan of the Wells Fargo Center’s offering, once ranking it only 11th-worst in the league. Still, Maxey doesn’t seem to mind. Maybe Philly’s popcorn just needs a little more butter and salt to match his sizzling performance on the hardwood.
The Sixers’ future looks bright, anchored by Maxey’s massive contract extension inked in the summer of 2024. Paired with rookie sensation VJ Edgecombe, who’s already flashing star potential in the backcourt, Philadelphia boasts a young, dynamic duo that rivals any in the league. Edgecombe’s speed, scoring touch, and defensive instincts complement Maxey’s all-around game, and together they give the Sixers a foundation to build upon for years to come.
As the All-Star break approaches and the playoff race heats up, all eyes are on Maxey. Can he maintain his torrid pace, keep the Sixers surging up the standings, and cement his place among the NBA’s elite? With Embiid working his way back to full strength, George providing veteran savvy, and Edgecombe growing into his role, the Sixers have the pieces to make some noise in the East. But there’s no question whose team this is now.
Tyrese Maxey’s evolution from bench spark to franchise pillar is the story of the season in Philadelphia. He’s not just carrying the torch—he’s setting the standard, lighting the way, and making popcorn part of the Sixers’ winning recipe. With the league watching and the city behind him, Maxey’s star is only getting brighter. One thing’s for sure: Philly’s future is popping.
