The Philadelphia 76ers are coming off a disappointing 2023-24 season, finishing 7th in the Eastern Conference with a 47-35 record. Injuries to Joel Embiid were a major factor in the team's struggles, as the Sixers had been a top-three team before Embiid went down. Despite his injuries, Embiid played through the pain in the first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks . The Sixers, however, were outclassed in six games, missing multiple opportunities to win the series.
This offseason, the 76ers made a bold statement by signing Paul George to a $212 million contract in free agency, giving them another elite star alongside Embiid and rising star Tyrese Maxey. Along with that blockbuster addition, the Sixers made several smart moves to bolster their depth, putting themselves back in the conversation as title contenders.
Here’s a breakdown of their projected starting lineup and key reserves for the 2024-25 season.
Point Guard (PG)
Starter: Tyrese Maxey
Reserves: Kyle Lowry, Reggie Jackson, Jeff Dowtin
Tyrese Maxey has taken a huge leap in his development, firmly establishing himself as the Sixers' floor general. In his first season running the offense without James Harden, Maxey blossomed into a star, earning his first All-Star selection. Last season, Maxey averaged 25.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game while shooting 45.0% from the field and 37.3% from three-point range. His combination of speed, scoring ability, and improved playmaking makes him a perfect fit next to Joel Embiid and the newly acquired Paul George.
The Sixers added veteran depth behind Maxey, signing Kyle Lowry and Reggie Jackson to solidify the backup point guard position. Both Lowry and Jackson bring valuable playoff experience and can provide stability when Maxey is off the floor. Jeff Dowtin adds depth and could develop into a rotational piece.
Shooting Guard (SG)
Starter: Kelly Oubre Jr.
Reserves: Eric Gordon, Ricky Council IV, Judah Mintz
Kelly Oubre Jr. steps into the starting shooting guard role, giving the 76ers another athletic, versatile wing who can score and defend. Last season, Oubre averaged 15.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 44.1% from the field. Oubre’s ability to play multiple positions and contribute on both ends makes him an important piece in the Sixers' rotation.
Veteran sharpshooter Eric Gordon was another savvy addition. Gordon brings instant scoring off the bench, having averaged 11.0 points per game with the Phoenix Suns last season while shooting 37.8% from three-point range. His experience and shooting will be crucial for the second unit. Ricky Council IV and Judah Mintz are young players with potential, looking to earn minutes as they develop.
Small Forward (SF)
Starter: Paul George
Reserves: Jared McCain, Lester Quinones, Justin Edwards, Jordan Tucke r
The Sixers made waves in free agency by signing Paul George , one of the best two-way players in the league. George left the Los Angeles Clippers to join Philadelphia after the Clippers failed to meet his contract demands. Last season, George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 47.1% from the field and 41.3% from beyond the arc. George’s ability to score at all three levels and defend elite wings will make him a perfect complement to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. His arrival gives the Sixers a formidable trio that will be tough to stop.
Jared McCain, Lester Quinones, Justin Edwards, and Jordan Tucker provide depth behind George, with McCain and Quinones looking to carve out larger roles as the season progresses.
Power Forward (PF)
Starter: Caleb Martin
Reserves: KJ Martin, Guerschon Yabusele, Max Fiedler
Caleb Martin, fresh off a good season with the Miami Heat , signed with the 76ers in the offseason. Martin brings toughness, defense, and three-point shooting, making him a great fit in the Sixers' system. Last season, Martin averaged 10.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 43.1% from the field and 34.9% from three-point range. His ability to play both forward positions and guard multiple positions will be key for the Sixers, especially in playoff matchups.
KJ Martin, who has shown flashes of brilliance as an athletic wing, will provide energy and defense off the bench. Guerschon Yabusele and Max Fiedler will compete for minutes in the rotation, giving Philadelphia depth at the forward spots.
Center (C)
Starter: Joel Embiid
Reserves: Andre Drummond, Adem Bona, Isaiah Mobley
Joel Embiid , the 2023 NBA MVP, had another remarkable season despite missing significant time due to injury. Embiid averaged a career-high 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game while shooting 52.9% from the field and 38.9% from three-point range. When healthy, Embiid is one of the most dominant forces in the league on both ends of the court, and he will be the focal point of the Sixers' offense once again.
Behind Embiid, the Sixers brought back Andre Drummond, a former All-Star and elite rebounder, to provide depth at center. Drummond will play valuable minutes off the bench, giving Embiid much-needed rest during the regular season. Adem Bona, a promising young big man, and Isaiah Mobley provide additional depth and could see more playing time if injuries arise.
The Philadelphia 76ers have assembled one of the most talented rosters in the NBA, headlined by Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey. If Embiid can stay healthy, the Sixers have the pieces to be one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Paul George's arrival gives them another elite scorer and defender who can take pressure off Embiid and Maxey, while Tyrese Maxey continues to ascend into stardom as the team's primary playmaker.
The supporting cast is also strong, with key veterans like Kyle Lowry, Reggie Jackson, and Eric Gordon providing leadership and experience off the bench. Kelly Oubre Jr. and Caleb Martin will play crucial roles as versatile two-way wings, and the Sixers have depth at every position.
Philadelphia’s success will largely depend on health, especially that of Joel Embiid. If Embiid can avoid major injuries and the trio of Embiid, George, and Maxey can develop chemistry, the Sixers have a legitimate shot at contending for the Eastern Conference title and the NBA Championship. The additions of Paul George and other key pieces make this one of the deepest and most balanced Sixers teams in recent memory.
The Sixers are once again in the mix as a potential title contender, and the pressure will be on to make a deep playoff run after last season’s disappointment. With a healthy Joel Embiid and the arrival of Paul George, Philadelphia fans have every reason to be optimistic about the upcoming season.
Here are all the projected lineups we've done so far:
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Related: 5 Potential Problems The Philadelphia 76ers Must Address This Season
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