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76ers’ Tyrese Maxey Says He Got Drug Tested After Viral NBA Offseason Videos

Adam WellsJuly 27, 2024

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 23: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers smiles during his Philadelphia 76ers press conference on July 23, 2024 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

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.

Tyrese Maxey @TyreseMaxey

I really got drug tested because of y’all 😂😂

The Sixers held a press conference this 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.

Philadelphia 76ers @sixers

.@TyreseMaxey on stepping into a leadership role and using his voice: pic.twitter.com/TSKIgvXnAt

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.

Silver Screen and Roll @LakersSBN

Mr. Silver is always watching. pic.twitter.com/9JVL7R2PxV

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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