Tyrese Maxey is extremely pleased to see Joel Embiid happy and healthy with the 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers star guard Tyrese Maxey used his time at the podium during the 2026 NBA All-Star festivities to direct praise toward his teammate, Joel Embiid. While Maxey is currently celebrating his own selection as an Eastern Conference starter, his comments highlighted a critical development for Philadelphia’s championship aspirations: the return of Embiid’s joy. Speaking to reporters, Maxey expressed deep relief at seeing the former MVP healthy and emotionally engaged after years of battling grueling lower body injuries.
The dynamic between the two stars has long been characterized as a "big brother, little brother" relationship, giving Maxey unique insight into Embiid’s mindset. "I'm just happy to see him happy again, playing, and having fun," Maxey admitted candidly. He offered a somber reflection on the previous season, where Embiid struggled through nagging knee issues that clearly impacted his spirit even when he was active. "It was tough for him last year when he did get on the court. I don't think he was having joy and fun. Injuries could do that to you."
For the 76ers, Embiid’s morale is as critical as his box score production. The 2025-26 campaign has seen Philadelphia re-establish itself as a powerhouse, bolstered by Maxey’s ascent to superstardom and the arrival of high-impact rookie VJ Edgecombe. However, the franchise knows their ceiling is ultimately dictated by Embiid’s availability. Seeing the center move with fluidity and smile on the court signals that the team’s careful load management plan is finally paying dividends.
Maxey’s sentiments underscore a massive shift in the team's culture. With Paul George also in the mix, the Sixers possess arguably the most talented roster in the league, yet their chemistry has often been fragile due to inconsistent lineups. By publicly validating Embiid’s return to happiness, Maxey is reinforcing the locker room's unity. As the league prepares for the post-All-Star break sprint, a rejuvenated Embiid—fueled by the unwavering support of his co-star—presents a terrifying prospect for the rest of the Eastern Conference. For Philadelphia, the "process" finally feels like progress again.
The dynamic between the two stars has long been characterized as a "big brother, little brother" relationship, giving Maxey unique insight into Embiid’s mindset. "I'm just happy to see him happy again, playing, and having fun," Maxey admitted candidly. He offered a somber reflection on the previous season, where Embiid struggled through nagging knee issues that clearly impacted his spirit even when he was active. "It was tough for him last year when he did get on the court. I don't think he was having joy and fun. Injuries could do that to you."
For the 76ers, Embiid’s morale is as critical as his box score production. The 2025-26 campaign has seen Philadelphia re-establish itself as a powerhouse, bolstered by Maxey’s ascent to superstardom and the arrival of high-impact rookie VJ Edgecombe. However, the franchise knows their ceiling is ultimately dictated by Embiid’s availability. Seeing the center move with fluidity and smile on the court signals that the team’s careful load management plan is finally paying dividends.
Maxey’s sentiments underscore a massive shift in the team's culture. With Paul George also in the mix, the Sixers possess arguably the most talented roster in the league, yet their chemistry has often been fragile due to inconsistent lineups. By publicly validating Embiid’s return to happiness, Maxey is reinforcing the locker room's unity. As the league prepares for the post-All-Star break sprint, a rejuvenated Embiid—fueled by the unwavering support of his co-star—presents a terrifying prospect for the rest of the Eastern Conference. For Philadelphia, the "process" finally feels like progress again.
