Tyrese Maxey Named All-Star Starter: A Milestone Moment for the Sixers' Rising Star
PHILADELPHIA - The evolution of Tyrese Maxey took another leap on Monday afternoon when the 76ers guard was officially named a starter for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. It’s the second All-Star nod of his young career - the first came in 2024 - but this time, Maxey’s name will be announced with the starters, marking a major milestone not just for him, but for the franchise as well.
This isn’t just a feel-good story. It’s the latest chapter in what’s becoming a breakout season for Maxey, who’s been the engine behind Philadelphia’s success.
With Joel Embiid continuing to play at an MVP level, it’s Maxey who’s emerged as the dynamic, high-octane backcourt presence the Sixers have long needed. And now, the league - and the fans - are giving him his flowers.
“It's great,” Embiid said after Friday’s win over the Pacers. “Obviously, I’m extremely proud of him.
It’s a big accomplishment. Especially when you’re a starter - it’s always gonna be good.
It’s a testament to the work that he’s put in and him taking another step this year. Yeah, that’s amazing.”
Coming from Embiid, a perennial All-Star starter himself, that’s high praise. He’s seen Maxey’s growth up close since the guard entered the league in 2020 as the 21st overall pick.
And now, Maxey becomes the first Sixers guard to be voted an All-Star starter since Allen Iverson - a name that still echoes in Philly hoops lore. That’s not just a nod to Maxey’s talent; it’s a recognition of his impact on the court and his connection with fans.
And the love isn’t just coming from the frontcourt. Teammates like Edgecombe, who clearly shares a strong bond with Maxey, were ready to go to bat for him - literally.
“I called him. He was asleep,” Edgecombe said with a smile.
“I had my alarm set for 2:00. I would’ve protested if he didn’t make it, man.
If he wasn’t a starter, it would’ve been a problem.”
When asked if he’d woken up from a nap to catch the announcement, Edgecombe kept it real.
“I ain’t waking up from no nap now!” he laughed.
“I love Reese, but I don’t love him that much. Nah, I didn’t nap yet, but I was super excited.
That’s my teammate. I know he’s worked hard for it.
I know he’s way more excited than I am.”
That kind of camaraderie speaks volumes about the culture in the Sixers locker room - and about Maxey’s role in it. He’s not just producing on the court; he’s earning the respect and admiration of those around him.
Head coach Nick Nurse, now in his third season with the team, has had a front-row seat to Maxey’s development. And even he admits this leap wasn’t something anyone could’ve confidently predicted before the season tipped off.
“I think it’s awesome,” Nurse said. “I don’t know if anybody would have projected that before the season started, so I think that’s a nice surprise.
I mean, it’s a helluva honor, you know? One of the top five guys in the conference - that’s a really big honor.
It’s a historic thing, and it’s cool. I’m happy for him, man.”
Nurse also pointed to Maxey’s offseason work - a summer filled with skill development, conditioning, and leadership growth - as a major reason why this moment is happening now.
“He’s been great,” Nurse added. “He had a great offseason and he’s worked and he’s played great. I think it’s amazing and great to be a part of it.”
For the Sixers, Maxey’s rise comes at a crucial time. With playoff aspirations and a roster built to contend, having a guard who can take over games, stretch the floor, and push the pace gives Philadelphia a dimension it’s lacked in recent years. And while Embiid remains the franchise cornerstone, Maxey is fast becoming the co-star every championship team needs.
The All-Star starter selection doesn’t just validate Maxey’s growth - it signals that the Sixers’ backcourt is in good hands for years to come.