Philadelphia 76ers star Tyrese Maxey shared a humorous moment with fans on social media, revealing he underwent a drug test after fans commented on his bulked-up physique.
Maxey tweeted that he “really got drug tested because of y’all,” accompanied by two laughing emojis after fans noticed his muscular transformation during a press conference announcing his contract extension. This moment highlighted the sometimes amusing, yet serious, implications of athletes’ physical changes going viral.
Maxey’s bulked-up appearance showcased through a form-fitting shirt and a workout video, caught the attention of fans, sparking jokes about his impressive new muscles. Such viral moments often lead to athletes being randomly drug tested, a protocol not uncommon in professional sports.
This isn’t the first time a player has faced similar scrutiny; in 2019, a photoshopped image of Alex Caruso led to a random drug test when he was with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The focus on Maxey’s physique is a positive sign for the 76ers as they head into an important season. During the press conference, team president Daryl Morey highlighted the significance of Maxey’s patience in signing his five-year, $204 million extension.
His decision to delay the extension from the previous offseason allowed the Sixers to retain cap flexibility, ultimately enabling them to secure Paul George with a four-year, $211.6 million contract in free agency.
With George joining Maxey and Joel Embiid, the expectations for the 76ers have significantly increased. The addition of George positions the team as a strong contender in the Eastern Conference, which includes formidable opponents like the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics and the Mikal Bridges-led New York Knicks.
This new lineup raises hopes for the 76ers to reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since the 2000-01 season.
Maxey’s dedication to improving his physique during the offseason is an encouraging sign for Philadelphia fans. As the 2024-25 season approaches, the anticipated competition among top teams in the East, driven by the talents of George, Maxey, and Embiid, promises to deliver an exciting and competitive race.
The 76ers are poised for a potentially breakthrough season, aiming to fulfill the high expectations set by their revamped roster.
