The Philadelphia 76ers entered the summer needing to take a big shot.
Tyrese Maxey’s career season led to a Most Improved Player Award. Joel Embiid averaged career-highs of 34.7 points and 5.6 assists per game after committing himself to a more team-oriented style. Yet, the Sixers finished the season 47-35.
In early February, Embiid underwent surgery after sustaining a lateral meniscus injury, limiting him to 39 games. This proved to be pretty problematic, as Maxey went 14-20 without The Process. Fortunately for Philadelphia, he returned for five of the Sixers’ last seven games, helping them claw their way to the postseason. However, he never looked quite like himself when he got back; more mechanical than mobile.
In the playoffs, this contributed to him shooting 44.4 percent from the field and 33.3 percent on threes. Taking tough shot after tough shot, his splits were nowhere near what they were in the regular season (.529-.388-.883). In the end, it was obvious that the Sixers were short on reliable scorers, the focus primarily on Tobias Harris and his continued passivity.
Sixers’ MVP Joel Embiid Talks Up Offseason Moves After Dropping Anchor
Now, Harris has been replaced by Paul George, who can go hot and cold but whose game is as smooth as butter.
The nine-time All-Star hasn’t been the third option since his second season. Consequently, his buy-in and comfort within the offense will be key. However, with Embiid playing a significant role in recruiting the six-time All-Star to The City of Brotherly Love, he definitely means a lot to the team’s future.
Joel Embiid gave lots of love to Maxey, who he said “will put us where we’re supposed to be as far as winning.”
He’s also happy that PG is a Sixer because he spent “a lot of time” recruiting him. Also has Yabu to speak French with even tho “the French people hate me.” https://t.co/VRBFEIyiNa pic.twitter.com/BJEJZVjqYj
— Sam DiGiovanni (@BySamDiGiovanni) September 27, 2024
Embiid deciding to sign a max contract extension with Philly last week may be the best evidence that he was satisfied with their moves though. Barring a trade, the deal will keep the 30-year-old with the Sixers through at least the 2027-28 season. If he picks up his player option, he’ll be with the team through 2028-29.
The Path Of An All-Time Great
As Embiid plays 54.1 games (regular season only) per season on average, he could feasibly land in the top-10 in franchise history in games played, an amazing feat considering his injury. Among Sixers players, he would also be on pace to be finish his career top-three in points and rebounds.
Without winning a championship, even that may not be enough to appease him.
So, Embiid will have to do all he can to ensure he stays on the floor. George will need to be himself, but within the fabric of a team where he’s not necessarily a focal point. Maxey needs to prove Embiid right after the 2023 NBA MVP told reporters that he’s “the one that puts (the Sixers) where (they’re) supposed to be as far as winning” while raving about the young guard’s new deal.
Despite their popularity, their supporting cast may not be able to fill the star’s shoes in their absence. However, they all parts to play too. Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, Kelly Oubre Jr., Caleb Martin, Jared McCain, Reggie Jackson, Guerschon Yabusele, and Kyle Lowry are just a few players who could play well for them, whether starting or coming off the bench. Sixers head coach Nick Nurse will have to manage egos as much as the rotation due to their depth. It’s usually better to have too much talent than too little though.
