The Process was a self-anointed nickname for the Philadelphia 76ers. It was their warcry when the team was in the doldrums of NBA irrelevance. However, nearly a decade later, the team had very little to show for it: No championships, no finals appearances, and not even a single conference finals appearance.
While Joel Embiid has become a solo monster, racking up the organization’s first MVP in 20 years, the team has struggled. A new combination of stars takes up the mantle each year and inevitably fails. However, this year looks like a different story. In terms of fit, the three-star formula might have its perfect iteration in the City of Brotherly Love.
Thanks to a ridiculous contract worth four years and $212 million, Paul George is going to Philly.
Paul George in Philadelphia: The Perfect Fit
For most teams, dropping a 200 million bag for a 34-year-old would sound like a gross overpay. But, after years of struggle and the limitations of superstar and MVP candidate Joel Embiid, it makes sense for Philadelphia.
At 30, Embiid is among the most injury-prone stars on the planet. In his 10-year NBA career, he is yet to go through a single postseason injury-free. So, from their timeline, the contract sounds far more reasonable than anyone else’s.
On the other hand, the biggest point of dissension between PG13 and the Los Angeles Clippers was the contract. While LAC was willing to offer the max, they weren’t ready to include a 4th-year option. With the 76ers amongst the only contending teams with a full max spot open, the fit was a dream-case scenario.
Regarding on-court fit, Philly has a third star to complement Joel and last year’s MIP Tyrese Maxey. In terms of basketball fit, no iteration has made more sense since Jimmy Butler‘s days.
The ideal basketball fit is a guard, wing, and center trio. Moreover, in Maxey and George, the 2022 MVP is surrounded by elite shooting to give him space to operate. In addition, the team has been shrewd in its other dealings as well. In Kelly Oubre Jr and Andre Drummond, the 76ers have two of the most underrated contracts across the league.
At this point, the only glaring weakness for Philadelphia remains a reliable option at Power Foward. But, given the cap situation, it remains a matter of time before Daryl Morey finds a solid answer.
Where do the Los Angeles Clippers go from here?
The 2019 trade sure looks like a dumpster fire now, huh? In one of the most memorable days in NBA free agency, the Clippers traded away virtually every first-round pick under the sun, along with future MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Paul George.
The move, in addition to Paul, also landed them Kawhi Leonard in free agency. Since then, injuries, poor performances (The Bubble), or ill-fitting rosters have caused the team to underperform. Seen as a perennial title threat, LA has made just one Conference Finals appearance in the 5 years since. And that is without mentioning the addition of former MVPs James Harden and Russell Westbrook.
After losing out on George, the team is headed differently. However, with a $2 billion new stadium, the Intuit Dome, coming next season, owner Steve Balmer continues to make moves to build a competitive team. Since the PG news broke, the team has extended Harden for 2 years and $7 0 million.
Additionally, they acquired defensive ace Derrick Jones Jr. on a team-friendly contract. Further, they shored up with short-term deals for Mo Bamba and Kevin Porter Jr. Pivoting fast, the team has done an incredible job building out their rotation with specialists. However, the hole of a ten-time All-Star like George is nearly impossible.
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