The 2024-25 NBA season delivered an unforeseen and profoundly challenging experience for the Philadelphia 76ers, particularly for rising star Tyrese Maxey, who confronted his first career losing season, a stark deviation from his lifelong winning trajectory.

Despite championship aspirations fueled by a significant offseason acquisition of Paul George, the 76ers dramatically underperformed, concluding the season with a dismal 24-58 record, far below their projected 50.5-win over/under line.

A relentless wave of injuries decimated the team’s core, significantly impacting key players; Maxey himself appeared in a career-low 52 games, while franchise cornerstone Joel Embiid was limited to just 19 appearances, and George participated in only 41 contests.

This constant struggle prevented the highly anticipated “big three” from ever truly showcasing their collective potential on the court, leading to a frustrating campaign where chemistry and rhythm were constantly disrupted by player absences.

Maxey openly admitted the profound psychological toll of consistent defeat, a feeling entirely foreign to him across his high school, middle school, and AAU career, revealing how deeply it affected his mental state early in the season.

In response to this unprecedented adversity, Maxey leaned heavily on his immediate support system, including his parents and close friends, emphasizing that his inherent identity as a “winner” drove him to seek refuge and resilience within his family circle.

Demonstrating strong leadership amidst the turmoil, Maxey embraced the challenging reality and dedicated himself to elevating his teammates, a commitment that saw young players like Justin Edwards and Adem Bona make tangible strides, offering a glimmer of hope for the upcoming 2025-26 season.