Fans' reaction to Philadelphia 76ers star Tyrese Maxey's muscular physique led to some funny moments for the player.
“You all really made me take a drug test,” Maxey wrote in an X, adding two laughing emojis.
The Sixers held a press conference this week to announce Maxey's contract extension, and he posted a workout video wearing a skin-tight shirt that revealed his arms and shoulders, leading some fans to joke about his new muscles.
It's not uncommon for athletes to be subject to random drug testing after stories about their physiques go viral, and this can happen even if the photos or videos aren't real.
In 2019, when Alex Caruso was still with the Los Angeles Lakers, Photoshopped photos of him circulated and the NBA administered random drug tests to him.
Maxey's new look bodes well for what could be a very important season for the 76ers, who coach Daryl Morey said in his press conference that an offseason move wouldn't have been possible if they hadn't waited until the 23-year-old signed a five-year, $204 million contract extension.
The Kentucky product was eligible last offseason, but delaying the deal allowed the 76ers to preserve cap flexibility, which they used to sign free agent Paul George to a four-year, $211.6 million contract.
With George on the roster alongside Maxey and Joel Embiid, Philadelphia's expectations have risen significantly. The Eastern Conference is topped by a formidable team consisting of the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks, featuring Mikal Bridges.
George, Maxey and Embiid are arguably the best trio of any team in the Eastern Conference, and the 76ers will be counting on them to help them reach their first Eastern Conference finals appearance since the 2000-01 season.
If Maxey's offseason bulk up is any indication, the competition between these three teams should be very entertaining when the 2024-25 season begins.
