Tyrese Maxey gave Paul George some insight about 76ers fans during an appearance on ‘Podcast P’. Maxey told George that 76ers fans are very smart, or at least believe that they are, about basketball, and will give George advice and recommendations about how to play if they feel that something can be improved in his game.
“Funny thing is, I can’t wait for him to see, just walking around Philly or being around Philly. Philly fans are giving advice, yelling, and screaming. They are big-time fans. They really believe they know basketball, they know hoop. It’s amazing man… It’s just funny, I walk in somewhere, and they’re like ‘Maxey!’.”
“First of all, they come up to you like they know you. It’s like ‘Hey, what up Max, what up baby, y’all good?’. Then they just give me their advice like ‘Man, you gotta start shooting your middy more, you gotta start doing this more, you gotta start being more aggressive’.”
“It’s nothing but love, though. I appreciate them. They’re going to show love, that’s one thing they’re going to really do, they’re going to rally behind us I think. And it’s going to be great.”
Maxey clearly said this in jest but also showed no malice toward 76ers fans. The 76ers fanbase is known for being incredibly passionate, and getting behind their players no matter what. But when they feel that someone is headed in the wrong direction, they will make their feelings known, even if it hurts the players.
George will get his first taste of life in Philly this season, as he signed with the 76ers during the offseason. With a massive four-year, $212 million deal in place, George will be expected to deliver some big performances in the City of Brotherly Love and help guide them to the NBA Finals.
A big part of signing George for the 76ers was to pair a third star with Embiid and Maxey. The franchise has tried its luck with Embiid and a combination of other All-Star caliber players like Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler, and James Harden in the past, but hasn’t been able to make it past the second round.
On top of that, the increased competitiveness in the East with the Knicks and the Celtics also gave them more cause to sign George. The hope now will be that George can help elevate this team, and at least help them reach an Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in the Embiid era
George and Embiid will get to know each other better as the season goes on. Maxey explained to George how Embiid decides ahead of each game which legendary big man like Shaq or Dirk he will replicate, and emulate their performance during the game.
George is coming off a decent season with the Clippers, where he averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, and was named an All-Star. If George can put up similar numbers next season, and Embiid and Maxey continue to perform at their regular level, the 76ers will be a threat in the East
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