The Philadelphia 76ers are essentially going all in this NBA season. Since the process began with Joel Embiid, the team has yet to reap its benefits. However, the process has been painstakingly long for the team and its fans. Year after year, it has been playoff disappointment as the team fails to get over the hump.
However, the team is ready for another hurrah with a new, relatively new roster and a Big 3 to boot. A heavily active offseason saw what might be its final deal with former NBA Champion Kyle Lowry returning to the City of Brotherly Love.
After playing a key role for the 76ers last season, Lowry returns to his hometown on the minimum. After a legendary career with the Toronto Raptors, Lowry came to Philly last season after being bought out by the Charlotte Hornets in the Terry Rozier trade. In 23 games, his averages of 8 ppg and 4.6 assists gave the team a stabilizing hand. His ever-present bulldog defense was on full display throughout their first-round loss to the New York Knicks.
Many teams, including the Knicks, were vying for the veteran PG. However, Kyle chose to return to the 76ers, ending the Villanova dream Knicks dream. The team has been quick to shore up on pieces through the offseason. But, is their depth adequate for a lengthy postseason run?
The Philadelphia 76ers depth conundrum
Due to the injury history of their superstar and MVP Joel Embiid, question marks remain everpresent for Philadelphia. The addition of Paul George on a four-year, $212 million deal gives the team a bonafide secondary star. However, many of the same issues, whether injuries or playoff disappointments, plague the former Los Angeles Clipper.
On a positive note, the team also got Tyrese Maxey back, signing him to a five-year extension. His play was a major bright spot for the team as he entered superstar territory after a MIP caliber season. It hasn’t just been the major names that the 76ers have had their focus on. Beyond Lowry, the team has spent quite a bit on building out the rest of the rotation.
In the first few days, GM Daryl Morey was quick to sign Caleb Martin and Eric Gordon, the latter of which remains a favorite of Daryl since his days with the Houston Rockets. Additionally, Kelly Oubre Jr, coming off arguably the best season of his career for Philadelphia, was also re-signed on a very team-friendly deal. Even a former Sixer in his own right, Andre Drummond returned to the team as an ideal backup for JoJo.
The NBA draft was yet another major win for the 76ers. In Jared McCain, the team has a bonafide sniper who should easily cross the 40% threshold from a distance. With Embiid at the helm, extra shooting is always a plus, especially from a player with lottery potential.
The front office has done a great job of shoring up the roster. Going into next season, Philadelphia is deep with some true superstars up top. It is now on the players and coach, Nick Nurse, to see the journey through.
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