76ers’ Rising Star Excluded from Team USA Player Pool

Tyrese Maxey wasn't listed on Team USA's player pool on Tuesday.

While there’s a realistic chance the Philadelphia 76ers could get back to having multiple representatives in the NBA All-Star game this season, the team is unlikely to have a shot at having two players represent Team USA next summer.

On Tuesday, the NBA announced a 41-player pool of candidates that will be considered to represent the United States potentially when the Olympics take place in Paris.

As expected, the 76ers’ MVP-winning center, Joel Embiid, is one of 41 players listed. Tyrese Maxey, however, was noticeably absent.

Many guards who have not received All-Star attention this season were considered potential prospects for the Olympics, which left Sixers fans questioning the decision. With Maxey developing into one of the NBA’s rising stars, filling in the large shoes of the ten-time All-Star James Harden, who was traded back in October, he is becoming regarded as one of the NBA’s most prominent backcourt players.

Unfortunately, an Olympic appearance is out of the question as of now.

On the bright side, the announcement on Tuesday made it clear that the player pool is not necessarily final. According to the press release, the list is “subject to change.” While that doesn’t necessarily mean Maxey will be added later on in the process, it doesn’t rule out the potential of that happening either.

As for Embiid, he’s likely a lock to make the squad at this point. Not only does his MVP resume make it hard to pass up on him, but Team USA heavily recruited Embiid’s commitment, as he was eligible to represent two other countries as well, leaving his decision unknown for quite some time.