"Really got drug tested"- Tyrese Maxey calls out NBA Twitter for hyping his 'jacked' physique
Tyrese Maxey has put up some muscle this offseason. The Philadelphia 76ers All-Star was hailed by NBA Twitter for his jacked physique, but it didn't pan out as well as he would've liked. The attention he got because of it forced him to take a drug test.
The Sixers guard took to X, formerly Twitter, to break the news about his drug test.
"I really got drug tested because of y’all," Maxey wrote.
The talk about his physique went viral after Maxey appeared at a press conference on Tuesday after signing a five-year $204 million extension with the Sixers. He seemingly had a much wider and muscular frame compared to what fans saw last year, prompting NBA Twitter's reaction to his build.
"Tyrese Maxey is jacked lmaoo," an X user reacted.
It's common for NBA players to get drug-tested, especially after big games or a drastic change in physique. The league does random checks for the same.
A recent example would be Damian Lillard, who was tested right after a career-high 71-point explosion against the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 26, 2023. Maxey seems to have dealt with a similar issue after his press conference appearance went viral.
Tyrese Maxey earned Russell Westbrook comparisons from new co-star Paul George
Before claiming to be drug tested because of his impressive offseason build, Tyrese Maxey drew an elite comparison to potential first-ballot Hall of Famer Russell Westbrook by new teammate Paul George. The All-Star wing alluded to the pace both guards play with and why that could be key to them being a successful pairing.
"I just think we complement each other so well," George said on Tuesday.
The comparisons only grow with Maxey now putting up some muscle and having a seemingly similar physique to Westbrook's. With his pace and ability to score from anywhere on the floor, Maxey could benefit immensely from his added size. It'll also be key defensively.
Tyrese Maxey is expected to play a key role in the upcoming season. With Joel Embiid's injuries remaining a concern and a 34-year-old Paul George likely to play a third-option role, the onus will be on Maxey to lead the Sixers' charge on most nights.
He made significant strides in that regard last year, especially in the team's first-round series loss to the Knicks, where Embiid wasn't healthy. With more support around him at all times in either George and Embiid or both, Maxey could be leaning towards the next level.