We are less than two weeks away from the start of the 2024-25 NBA Season, which begins on Oct. 22! Up until then, we will be previewing all 30 NBA teams! Today, we are diving into the Philadelphia 76ers, led by one-time MVP Joel Embiid and rising star Tyrese Maxey . Let’s dive into it!
What happened last year?
The Philadelphia 76ers entered the 2022-23 season with plenty of offseason drama surrounding them and James Harden. It was a big mess, and Harden didn’t suit up for Philadelphia before getting traded to the Los Angeles Clippers on Nov. 1. The 76ers opened the season 29-13. Still, poor defense plus Embiid’s meniscus injury dropped Philadelphia into play-in territory by season’s end. They were able to complete a 13-point comeback at home against the Miami Heat, but lost in six games to the No. 2 New York Knicks in the first round–arguably the most thrilling series in the postseason, truthfully.
Offseason Recap:
The 76ers entered the offseason with only one guaranteed contract on their books: Joel Embiid. Fourth-year guard Tyrese Maxey was entering restricted free agency while big man Paul Reid had a non-guaranteed salary, which Philadelphia ultimately declined. In fact, excluding the cap holds, Philadelphia had $75 million in cap space –essentially two max slots–heading into free agency. Thus, they went out and secured free agent wing Paul George to a four-year max, while adding veterans Caleb Martin , Reggie Jackson , Andre Drummond and Eric Gordon before re-signing Tyrese Maxey to a max, Kelly Oubre Jr., Kyle Lowry and KJ Martin . They also drafted tantalizing guard Jared McCain No. 16 overall plus hyperactive big man Adem Bona in the second round. Needless to say, it was a very active offseason for Philadelphia.
Projected Starting 5:
Tyrese Maxey, G – Maxey is an ascending star who was the biggest beneficiary of James Harden’s departure last season, winning the league’s Most Improved Player award. He set career highs in points, rebounding and assists while sporting 45.0/37.3/86.8 shooting splits on 28 percent usage.
Kelly Oubre, F – Oubre signed a one-year deal late last offseason, and had a very productive year, despite having a down shooting season. He gives Philadelphia optionality and versatility at the wing spot, where he doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective.
Paul George, F – Philadelphia went big game hunting this offseason and landed George, a nine-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA honoree. George had his healthiest season since 2018-19 last year, but is entering his age-34 season and isn’t getting more nimble. I’m interested to see how he fits into the pecking order with Embiid and Maxey.
Caleb Martin, F – Martin signed a four-year deal in Philadelphia after reportedly turning down a lofty extension from the Heat before free agency. Yikes! He may have averaged a career-high in points, but the 6-foot-5 wing dealt with knee tendinosis at the beginning of the year while having a down season with his decision-making. How will he do in a role that requires more wear-and-tear? We shall see!
Joel Embiid, C – Embiid was limited to just 39 games last season after tearing his meniscus midseason. He didn’t look completely healthy during the Olympics, either, even though he played better toward the end. He averaged a career-high 34.7 points on 64.4 percent true shooting in his first season under Nurse, and has improved as a playmaker out of double teams over the last few seasons.
Kyle Lowry, G – Lowry signed with the 76ers–returning home–on the buyout market last year, averaging 8.0 points and 4.6 assists. I expect him to be a key guard off the bench, even with him entering his age-38 season.
Eric Gordon, G – Gordon offered mixed results with Phoenix last year, ultimately averaging 11.0 points on 37.4 percent shooting from deep. He’ll serve a similar floor-spacing role this upcoming season.
Andre Drummond, C – Drummond averaged 6.1 points and 8.8 rebounds in his previous stop in Philadelphia in 2021-22. Entering his age-31 season, he will once again be the backup behind Embiid.
Jared McCain, G – McCain has reportedly impressed in camp, which is always an encouraging sign. It remains to be seen how much Nurse will rely on him to begin the season, but I think he will be in the rotation at some point.
Biggest X-Factor: Health
The Philadelphia 76ers are projected, by many, to be one of the best teams in the East, but two of their three best players (Embiid, George) have had difficulty staying on the court–especially when it’s mattered most. That’s an issue. Everything can go right for them in the regular season, but now is the time for them to capitalize on this window before it’s too late. Health is the all-important key for Philadelphia this season, barring none; get to mid-April healthy and perhaps they can make a run. If they’re not, they won’t.
Season Projection:
I’m not high on Philadelphia because I don’t trust their durability or depth. I have them finishing 47-35 as the No. 7 seed in the East.
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