The Philadelphia 76ers’ offseason has proved one of the most impressive and productive in the NBA. Trades, signings, and gold medals—the 76ers have much to cheer about and look ahead to as the 2023-24 regular season tips off in October.
Philadelphia 76ers Offseason: A Review To Date
Joel Embiid’s Gold Medal & Paul George Signing
This offseason has seen the Philadelphia 76ers in the spotlight for a few reasons. First and foremost, Joel Embiid claimed a gold medal with Team USA in the Paris Olympics. Embiid was on and off throughout the games but showed up big when it mattered most against Serbia in the semis and France in the finals. Embiid has struggled mightily in recent NBA postseasons due to injury after injury. The 76ers playoffs last year were hampered by Embiid looking beaten up, although he played well and showed up at his best efforts. Winning a gold medal was Embiid’s first true taste of winning something meaningful.
Then there was the 76ers offseason acquisition of Paul George, who signed a four-year contract as a free agent, leaving a disappointing era with the Los Angeles Clippers behind him. George is still an incredible basketball player at this point in his 14-year career. His decision to sign in Philadelphia has the potential to help and push Embiid for deep playoff runs for a few years—an aspect of Embiid’s career he has not had much success in. With George, Tyrese Maxey, and Embiid on the floor together, the 76ers’ productive offseason should open the doors to a regular season that sees the team past the first round of the playoffs and deeper.
Key Player Departures
Tobias Harris was Philadelphia’s biggest departure this summer. After spending five seasons with the 76ers, Harris’s time was up, and he signed with the Detroit Pistons. Harris has been a question mark for Philly for the last couple of years. His inconsistent play and controversial contract have drawn the ire of NBA media personalities and fans alike. A good player and solid defender, Harris could return to who he was as an LA Clipper with a young Pistons squad.
Other notable offseason losses included French Olympian standout and hero Nicolas Batum, De’Anthony Melton, Cameron Payne, and Buddy Hield.
Key Player Acquisitions
Apart from Paul George, the 76ers retaining Kyle Lowry might have been the organization’s most crucial offseason move. He is not the player he was in Toronto and is at the back end of his career. However, Lowry is still a dependable point guard who can move the ball and set teammates up, and he’s an outstanding leader. The 76ers also re-signed Kelly Oubre Jr., who unquestionably outperformed his one-year deal last year. Oubre Jr. was a key piece for Philly last season and performed consistently and well throughout the year offensively.
Other signings included veterans Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, and former Miami Heat wing Caleb Martin. Martin was a great pick-up for the 76ers because of his offensive production and three-point shooting.
76ers Offseason Paves Way For Title Contention
The 76ers’ offseason moves surrounded Embiid and Maxey with a probable future Hall of Fame player in George and key role players. Title contenders? They have to be. Embiid has suffered a lot due to injuries. He is continuously hailed as one of the best big men the NBA has ever seen. To be able to compete for a championship would be nice to see for the big man from Cameroon. This year, Philadelphia has the pieces compete and represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA finals.
