Tyrese Maxey Showcases Skills at National Dog Show on NBC

Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey recently showcased his talents outside the basketball court by participating in the National Dog Show. The event, which aired on NBC following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, featured Maxey attempting to navigate an agility course with dogs, a skill set he found quite different from his usual basketball handling.

The National Dog Show was recorded on November 16, 2023, at the Kennel Club of Philadelphia. Maxey, who is a dog owner himself with three pets—a Cane Corso named Apollo and two Bernedoodles named Aries and Arrow—took on the challenge of guiding two dogs through a series of obstacles. He ran with Howie, an 8-year-old Border Collie, and Spike, a 2-year-old Border Collie Papillon, aiming to complete the course in the best time possible.

Maxey expressed his nerves during the event, noting that he had not previously performed in front of a crowd. “I’ve been on the course with no crowd. So that was my first time with the crowd,” he shared with the Philadelphia Inquirer. He added, “I played in a lot of playoff games. I played in both the Gardens. I played in Miami. I played in Brooklyn — and that’s the most nervous I’ve been to go through something.”

His experience on the agility course was both entertaining and challenging. At one point, Howie paused to engage in a game of tug-of-war, adding to the excitement. Maxey humorously compared the physical demands of the dog course to playing in the NBA: “It was really fun. They got me out here sweating. Like I just played a whole quarter. I think I’m going to stick to staying on the court,” he remarked during the broadcast.

In a competitive field, Soleil, a 6-year-old Belgian Sheepdog, was ultimately awarded Best in Show, triumphing over more than 1,900 other dogs.

Maxey’s appearance on the show comes during a standout season for him in the NBA. As of now, he is averaging career highs of 30.2 points, 7.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, contributing significantly to the 76ers, who currently hold a record of 9-8 and sit in fourth place in the Atlantic Division. The team is set to face the Nets, who are fifth in the division with a record of 3-14, at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday.

Maxey’s light-hearted participation in the National Dog Show not only showcased his versatility but also offered a glimpse into the life of an athlete beyond the court, connecting with fans in a unique and engaging way.