Maxey, McCain, and (Healthy) Masculinity: Something to Root for this 76ers Season

I’ve received a ton of advice from colleagues, mentors, and former managers encouraging me to carve out a unique niche. I’m not sure if this blend of Sixers fandom and masculinity is what they meant, but here we are.

In a season that is off to a rocky 2-8 start, two bright spots are giving me hope and energy. Two young guards—one already a superstar and the other showing great promise—are not only impressive on the court but also giving Philadelphia sports fans a glimpse of what healthy masculinity can look like.

Philadelphia, a city known for its passionate and, at times, infamous fanbase, has embraced these two players as the franchise’s potential saviors. While many fans are excited by the future possibility of having one of the top backcourts in the NBA, what excites me more is that young Philadelphia sports fans are growing up with two incredible role models they can look up to.

A Cultural Shift in Role Models

Zooming out, after the 2024 election cycle, conversations around toxic masculinity have gained traction, with concerns about young men being influenced by behaviors that run counter to healthy masculinity. These behaviors reinforce outdated stereotypes of what men should strive to be—self-serving rather than generous, aggressive instead of kind, emotionless rather than human. While these issues aren’t new, it feels as though for every two steps forward, we take a step back.

I think about growing up with posters of Allen Iverson and Muhammad Ali on my wall and wonder who future young fans will idolize. Now, more than ever, young men need positive role models, whether from their families, friends, entertainment, or sports. Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain give young Philadelphia fans a taste of what healthy masculinity can look like.

Tyrese Maxey—A Model of Hard Work and Heart

In the 2020 NBA Draft, Tyrese Maxey was selected 21st overall. Surpassing expectations, the clip of him in tears as he thanked Philadelphia for the opportunity—and promised they wouldn’t regret it—is replayed often. As someone who grew up rarely seeing men cry and later learning of its necessity, I’m grateful for that image.

Maxey exemplifies vulnerability and leadership, proving that hard work and compassion can coexist. He competes at the highest level without compromising his character. Off the court, he’s won two NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Awards—once in November 2022 and most notably the 2024 offseason award—joining only two others in 76ers franchise history who’ve won multiple times. His dedication to supporting youth in both his hometown of Dallas and in Philadelphia solidifies his role as an athlete young kids can look up to.

Jared McCain—Redefining Masculinity with Courage

Jared McCain, drafted in 2024, has only 10 games under his belt but has already made an impact. Even before joining the NBA, he drew mixed reactions from male fans. Known not just for his basketball skills but for his TikTok dances and painted nails, McCain faced skepticism from some college basketball viewers. Yet, he remained unfazed, helping lead Duke to the Elite Eight.

In his first 10 NBA games, McCain continues to lead the rookie class in points per game, showing resilience and confidence. To me, and hopefully to younger fans, McCain represents a new wave of masculinity that breaks away from traditional stereotypes. He shows that keeping up with nail care and dance trends doesn’t make him any less of a man—in fact, it highlights his courage to be true to himself despite pushback.

It Starts Young—Influences that Shape Views of Masculinity

Young boys, like all youth, are very observant. They observe how the men in their lives talk and behave, including their parents, family, friends, and even celebrities they look up to.

Toxic perceptions of masculinity come with an unspoken rulebook about what it means to be a “real man.” These harmful norms promote ideas such as:

1. Avoid seeking help (Your problems are yours alone)

2. Don't show weakness (There is no room for vulnerability)

3. Only approved emotions allowed (Sadness and fear are off limits, but anger can take their place)

4. Be aggressive (Dominance over collaboration)

5. Avoid all things feminine (Even if you like them and even when they kick a**, like musicals)

Research indicates that while most men privately reject these restrictive norms, they still adhere to them because they believe others expect it. Starting at a young age, boys encounter pressure from peers, family, and media to fit this mold. While this creates a reinforcing cycle, I hold hope as more athletes like Maxey and McCain combat some of these toxic norms.

Role Models for a New Generation

While I may now be at an age where I question whether I can still idolize sports players, I get excited thinking about the young fans wearing Maxey and McCain jerseys and plastering their posters on their walls.

In a time when role models are needed more than ever, Maxey and McCain exemplify that being a man can mean working hard, being a good person, and staying true to who you are. They remind us that true strength lies in authenticity, kindness, and resilience.

Here's to hoping that their influence inspires a new generation to redefine masculinity on their own terms.