In 2020, the Philadelphia 76ers selected Tyrese Maxey as their 21st overall pick, but few were aware of his remarkable performance on the US national team during the 2018 FIBA Under-18 Americas Championship. His NBA career began with high expectations, and he certainly lived up to them, notably shining against the Nuggets with a stellar 39-point game. This impressive performance helped him match Allen Iverson’s rookie record for the most points scored by a rookie in their first career start—a promising debut!

As he progressed into the 2024 season, Maxey’s success continued, culminating in a lucrative $204 million, five-year max contract with the 76ers. Before this deal, he had already earned significant accolades, being named the 2023–24 NBA Sportsmanship Award winner and the NBA’s Most Improved Player, underscoring his growth on the court. The 76ers made a wise investment in this rising star.

In just 10 games this season, Maxey has been averaging an impressive 29.8 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game. One of his standout performances came against the Pacers, where he scored a remarkable 45 points, shooting 43.8% from the field and making five three-pointers. With such an exciting trajectory, the big question remains: what’s next for this emerging talent?

Now that we’ve delved into his professional achievements, it’s time to explore his family background and the roots that shaped him into the player he is today!

Tyrese Maxey’s family and roots

Tyrese Maxey was born on November 4, 2000, in Dallas, Texas, making him an American national. He has mixed ethnicity; his parents, Tyrone Maxey and Denise Maxey, are American nationals of African American descent. Growing up, Tyrese followed in his father’s footsteps, immersing himself in basketball from a young age.

Tyrone Maxey played basketball for Washington State and served as a high school coach for 17 years in the Dallas area, including a role as an assistant coach at South Garland High School from 2014 to 2017. He later transitioned to become the Director of Player Development for SMU’s basketball team. Throughout Tyrese’s upbringing, Tyrone coached him and imparted valuable lessons that Tyrese shared with his teammates. One of the key messages from his father was, “I tell everybody, the work you put in when no one is around always comes to light when you play in front of thousands.”

On the other hand, Tyrese’s mother, Denise Maxey, works as a Senior Regional Manager in the healthcare industry for Blue Cross Blue Shield. The couple has three daughters in addition to Tyrese. With a strong family background rooted in Texas, Tyrese Maxey embodies the spirit of a true Texan, distinguishing himself not just as another player from the state but as a standout athlete with deep local ties.

“An honor” – Tyrese Maxey is helping make a difference in youth life

The NBA recently honored Tyrese Maxey with the offseason NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award, recognizing his dedication to supporting youth in both Philadelphia and Dallas through the Tyrese Maxey Foundation. Established in 2021, this non-profit organization is rooted in his hometown of Garland, Texas, and aims to equip young people with the skills and support they need to become the next generation of leaders in their communities, families, and classrooms.

In 2024 summer, he launched the inaugural Tyrese Maxey Foundation Friends and Family Weekend, inviting youth aged 7-12 to a free basketball camp. Over 700 young participants attended both camps, which included skills training and lunch with Maxey.

He also announced scholarships during the event, emphasizing education’s importance. He promised $1 million to youth organizations in Philadelphia, demonstrating his dedication to the community. “It’s such an honor to receive the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for the offseason. I’m grateful to even be in a position to make a difference in the lives of Philadelphia- and Dallas-area youth.” Maxey stated. This recognition is not his first; he previously won the award in November 2022 for his work in youth development.

The Bob Lanier Award honors a legacy of community impact within the NBA. How will his efforts inspire others? His initiatives highlight the transformative power of sports and education. In conclusion, Tyrese Maxey’s work exemplifies how athletes can significantly uplift their communities.