“Imagine walking through Philly and being bombarded by fans who think they know every nuance of the game,” Maxey quipped. “Philly fans are relentless. They don’t hold back—they’ll be in your face with unsolicited advice on how to play better, and they genuinely think they’re basketball experts.”
He wasn’t kidding about the fervor. In Philadelphia, everyone’s a critic and a coach, offering their two cents whether you ask for it or not. “I’ll be just walking around, and someone shouts, ‘Hey, Maxey! You gotta work on that mid-range shot!’ It’s like they think they’ve got a PhD in basketball. But hey, it’s all out of love,” Maxey added, showing he’s got a sense of humor about the whole thing.
This season, Paul George will get his initiation into this passionate, and often overzealous, basketball culture. Fresh off a hefty four-year, $212 million deal with the 76ers, George is expected to deliver the kind of performances that can carry the team deep into the playoffs.
Maxey’s playful warning underscores the high expectations that come with joining the 76ers. The team’s strategy to pair George with stars like Joel Embiid and Maxey aims to create a powerhouse trio. Despite past attempts to make it to the NBA Finals with various combinations of All-Stars like Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler, and James Harden, the team has yet to surpass the second round of playoffs.
With the Eastern Conference growing increasingly competitive—thanks to the Knicks and Celtics strengthening their rosters—the 76ers are betting big on George to push them over the top. George, coming off a solid season with the Clippers where he averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, will need to replicate his stellar performances to justify the hefty investment.
As the season unfolds, George will have to navigate the high expectations and fiery scrutiny from one of the most passionate fanbases in the NBA. Maxey’s insight serves as both a warning and a welcome to the whirlwind that is Philadelphia basketball.