7. Tyrese Maxey
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey, 24, had an All-Star year in 2024, when he was named the Most Improved Player. The Dallas native, who calls himself a “student of the game” of basketball, was a standout high school player in Texas.
As it did for many of his peers, the pandemic interrupted Maxey’s college plans (at Kentucky). But because he was raised in the Christian faith, Maxey knew that God was in charge of his life and career.
In 2022, Tim Martin, his longtime trainer, told The Athletic that Maxey is “very in tune with God” and “knows his purpose.” That’s rare for someone so young, Martin added, noting that “it’s a true testament to his faith and his upbringing.”
Maxey’s family also taught him to put feet to his faith. The basketball player, who’s already won an NBA Sportsmanship Award, is active in the community through his faith-based nonprofit foundation.
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