Fan response to Tyrese Maxey’s bulked-up physique led to a humorous moment for the Philadelphia 76ers star.
Maxey said on X that he “really got drug tested because of y’all” and included two laughing emojis.
The Sixers held a press conference last week to announce Maxey’s contract extension. He wore a form-fitting shirt that showed off his arms and shoulders, along with posting a workout video that prompted some fans to joke about his new muscles.
It’s not uncommon for athletes to get randomly drug tested in the wake of a viral moment involving their physique. Sometimes it happens even if the pictures or videos aren’t real.
When Alex Caruso was still a member of the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019, a photoshopped picture of him made the rounds and prompted the NBA to give him a random drug test.
Maxey’s new look is a great sign for the 76ers as they prepare for what is shaping up to be a very big season. Daryl Morey told reporters during the press conference that their offseason moves wouldn’t have been possible if the 23-year-old didn’t wait to sign his five-year, $204 million extension.
The Kentucky alum was eligible for the deal last offseason, but delaying it allowed the Sixers to maintain cap flexibility. They were able to use it to land Paul George on a four-year, $211.6 million contract in free agency.
Putting George on the roster with Maxey and Joel Embiid has raised the expectations in Philadelphia considerably. The top of the Eastern Conference is daunting with the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics and New York Knicks with Mikal Bridges.
George, Maxey and Embiid comprise arguably the best trio of any team in the East. The Sixers will be counting on them to help the franchise reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since the 2000-01 season.
If Maxey’s offseason bulking is any indication, it should be a very fun race between those three teams when the 2024-25 season begins.
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