Paul George came to the Philadelphia 76ers as a possible 2nd best player next to Joel Embiid. That was last and things changed drastically for them. He is now more of a role player but the former MVP candidate is embracing it – all for Tyrese Maxey.
The Australian guard, who made his first All-Star Game in 2024, has been lifting the Sixers on his shoulder each game and is priming himself as a future superstar. PG is seeing it. To him, Maxey is already showing leader quality.
“He’s a warrior, no question about it,” George told reporters when asked about Maxey.
“He takes so man hits. Teams hold and grab him. He hits the ground so many times and then gets back up. There’s a leadership about him.”
Maxey being the main topic after the Sixers’ loss to the Atlanta Hawks happened as it was who gave the Sixers a chance to win. He scored 44 points and played 52 minutes for them. He also had seven rebounds and nine assists.
He also hit the shot that sent the game to first over time.
Tyrese Maxey SHOWED OUT despite the double OT loss.
🏀 44 PTS
🏀 7 REB
🏀 9 ASTHe has the 2nd-most 40-PT games of any NBA player this season (Luka Dončić, 5) pic.twitter.com/Chah1iD5t0
— NBA (@NBA) December 1, 2025
Paul George says he’s playing for Maxey
His hard work did not payoff and George is willing to not be seen as the better player. Instead, he is playing for him now.
“When he’s out there, I play for him. I do everything I can to make the game easier for him. He’s our guy. It’s inspiring,” the nine-time All-Star continued.
“Me as a vet, it’s inspiring for a guy to consistently do it.”
George made his second straight game after sitting out the Orlando Magic game last Tuesday which they also lost.
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