Philadelphia 76ers rising star, Tyrese Maxey, recently offered his perspective on the James Harden trade request and its potential impact on the team. Speaking on his podcast, “Maxey on the Mic,” the 22-year-old guard expressed his admiration for Harden while acknowledging the need for the team to prepare for various scenarios.
Maxey started by discussing his productive summer and dedication to improving his game. However, he didn’t shy away from addressing the elephant in the room—the trade request made by his high-profile teammate, James Harden, who desires to leave Philadelphia.
I will say this about the situation: to each his own. James, he’s a professional and he’s doing something for a reason. You just have to kind of sit back and understand what he’s doing as a friend, but then as a teammate and someone as a part of an organization I’m with right now, you have to prepare for whether James is going to be there or not going to be there. That’s just the nature of it.
Maxey’s comments drew parallels to the Ben Simmons holdout in 2021, with the key difference being that the current team is open to welcoming Harden back.
It’s crazy to say this, but it’s not our first rodeo, honestly. That’s funny to say, but that’s life.
He expressed his love for Harden and explained that he is preparing to play with or without him, emphasizing the importance of being adaptable.
If James doesn’t decide he wants to come back and play, it will change my role significantly. … That’s one thing I’ll say playing for my dad taught me, and playing for Coach [John Calipari] taught me — I’ve been able to play on the ball, I’ve been able to play off the ball, I’ve been able to be kind of adaptable in whatever situation I’ve been thrown into. It’s just funny, every single year it’s been something new.
Regarding the possibility of a “gap year” if Harden doesn’t return, Maxey and the Sixers are not considering it. Maxey highlighted the team’s talent, including the reigning MVP, Joel Embiid, and stressed the need to maintain high expectations and pursue their goals.
People ask me, ‘If James doesn’t come back, do y’all see this season as a wash?’ … I think with the position that the Sixers are in we can’t ever see a season as ‘a wash.
In addition to discussing the Harden situation, Maxey touched on the possibility of representing Team USA in the future, citing it as a dream come true. He also shared his admiration for Dwyane Wade, whose jersey number, No. 3, he wore while coming up in basketball.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Harden’s status, Maxey’s positive outlook and dedication to his craft remain unwavering, providing a ray of sunshine amid the ongoing drama.
About Tyrese Maxey
Tyrese Maxey was born on November 4, 2000, in Garland, Texas, USA. He grew up in a sports-oriented family, with both his parents being former athletes. His father played basketball at the collegiate level, and his mother was a track and field athlete. Maxey’s exposure to sports from an early age played a pivotal role in shaping his passion for basketball.
Maxey attended South Garland High School in Texas, where he quickly established himself as a standout basketball player. Known for his exceptional scoring ability, versatility, and work ethic, he gained recognition as one of the top high school prospects in the country. He consistently put up impressive numbers, showcasing his ability to score from beyond the arc, drive to the basket, and create opportunities for his teammates.
After completing his high school career, Tyrese Maxey committed to playing college basketball at the University of Kentucky. In his lone season with the Kentucky Wildcats during the 2019-2020 NCAA season, Maxey continued to impress. He averaged 14 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, displaying his well-rounded skill set on both ends of the court. Maxey’s ability to perform under pressure and make clutch shots further solidified his reputation as a rising star.
Following his successful freshman year, Tyrese Maxey declared for the 2020 NBA Draft. He was selected as the 21st overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers. Maxey’s transition to the NBA was marked by his determination to prove himself as a valuable asset to his team. He quickly earned a reputation for his defensive tenacity, offensive versatility, and ability to provide an instant scoring boost off the bench.
As his professional career progressed, Maxey’s skills continued to evolve. He honed his playmaking abilities and became a reliable ball-handler, making him a dynamic asset in various lineup configurations. Maxey’s work ethic, coupled with his commitment to improvement, endeared him to both fans and coaches.
In addition to his NBA career, Tyrese Maxey represented the United States on the international stage. He was part of the USA Basketball Under-19 team that secured a gold medal at the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup.
Off the court, Tyrese Maxey is known for his humility and dedication to giving back to the community. He has been involved in various philanthropic initiatives, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact beyond basketball.
Tyrese Maxey’s journey from a promising high school prospect to an emerging NBA talent is a testament to his hard work, determination, and love for the game. With a continuously expanding skill set and a bright future ahead, Maxey remains a player to watch as he continues to make his mark on the basketball world.
