Tyrese Maxey Snubbed from NBA All-Star Reserves Despite Career-High Stats

PHILADELPHIA — Tyrese Maxey, the Philadelphia 76ers‘ standout guard, was notably absent from the NBA‘s Eastern Conference All-Star reserves announced Thursday night. Despite averaging a career-high 27.1 points and 3.3 three-pointers per game this season, Maxey was overlooked in favor of seven other guards and forwards.

The Eastern Conference reserves included Darius Garland, Damian Lillard, Jaylen Brown, Evan Mobley, Tyler Herro, Cade Cunningham, and Pascal Siakam. Maxey’s exclusion comes despite his impressive scoring streak of 12 consecutive games with at least 28 points, a feat highlighted by Sixers head coach Nick Nurse.

“I’m totally biased, but he’s got to be an All-Star,” Nurse said after a recent game. “What is that, 11 straight games with 28 or more? That’s pretty good. If they voted, I say we vote again — if he didn’t make it. Hopefully, he’ll make it. He deserves to make it.”

Maxey’s shooting efficiency has dipped this season, with a 43.6% field goal percentage and 34.0% from beyond the arc. However, his contributions have been vital for the Sixers, who have struggled with injuries to key players like Paul George and Joel Embiid. George has missed 16 games, while Embiid has been sidelined for 33.

“I’ll say this: I’m more happy about the way our team has been playing the past three weeks,” Maxey said Tuesday. “We haven’t won every game, of course, but it’s finally coming together. Guys are going out there and having fun, and guys are excited to come into the building and try to compete.”

Maxey’s leadership has also grown this season, with teammates praising his ability to step up in critical moments. “He’s been using his voice way more,” said teammate KJ Martin. “Everyone sees the nice side of him, but he can turn it on and get on guys.”

While Maxey won’t be heading to San Francisco for the All-Star Game on Feb. 16, his focus remains on helping the Sixers improve their 19-27 record. “I think earlier in the year, I was worried about what was going on,” Maxey said. “Injuries and all that, it just kind of sucks. But now, I’ve just kind of had the mindset of whoever’s out here is out here. We’ve gotta go out here and play extremely hard and give ourselves a chance to win the game.”

Maxey’s absence from the All-Star roster is a disappointment, but it may provide him with a much-needed break. He’s currently playing a career-high 37.9 minutes per game, carrying a heavy load for the injury-plagued Sixers.