The Philadelphia 76ers entered the summer needing to take a big shot.<\/p>\n
Tyrese Maxey<\/a>\u2019s career season led to a Most Improved Player Award. Joel Embiid<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n In early February, Embiid underwent surgery after sustaining a lateral meniscus injury<\/a>, 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\u2019 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> and his continued passivity.<\/p>\n Now, Harris has been replaced by Paul George<\/a>, who can go hot and cold but whose game is as smooth as butter.<\/p>\n The nine-time All-Star hasn\u2019t 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\u2019s future.<\/p>\n Joel Embiid gave lots of love to Maxey, who he said \u201cwill put us where we\u2019re supposed to be as far as winning.\u201d<\/p>\n He\u2019s also happy that PG is a Sixer because he spent \u201ca lot of time\u201d recruiting him. Also has Yabu to speak French with even tho \u201cthe French people hate me.\u201d https:\/\/t.co\/VRBFEIyiNa<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/BJEJZVjqYj<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Sam DiGiovanni (@BySamDiGiovanni) September 27, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nSixers\u2019 MVP Joel Embiid Talks Up Offseason Moves After Dropping Anchor<\/h2>\n
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