The Philadelphia 76ers franchise, after an active summer, looks poised to challenge for an NBA championship. This is especially significant as the team hasn’t claimed the title since 1983, leaving fans waiting for over 40 years. However, with the addition of Paul George this offseason, the Sixers may have found the piece to end that drought.
As PG13 enters the latter stage of his illustrious career, this might be his final chance to capture the elusive championship. Meanwhile, for the Sixers, who have been building toward this moment since the "Trust the Process" era began in 2015, the upcoming season may present their best opportunity to contend for the title.
There are several reasons to be optimistic about the Sixers this year. First, head coach Nick Nurse, who led Toronto to an NBA championship in 2019, is entering his second season with the team. Unlike last season, he’s now more familiar with the city and the players, and the team has a better grasp of what Nurse expects. His championship-winning experience is crucial for a team with high aspirations.
Another key factor is last season's Most Improved Player (MIP), Tyrese Maxey. Maxey has been a revelation since entering the league, known for his speed and aggressive drives. His rapid rise has surprised many, and after the departure of James Harden, Maxey took on the role of the team’s primary playmaker. While his playmaking still has room for improvement, Nurse's system, which involves using Joel Embiid in key playmaking positions, has helped Maxey flourish. Last season's playoffs showcased Maxey’s growth, particularly with standout performances against the New York Knicks.
That said, Maxey still faces challenges as a playmaker. However, considering his work ethic, it's expected that he has worked on this aspect of his game during the offseason. Given the leaps he made last season, Maxey could elevate his game even further this year.
Speaking of health, the Sixers' championship hopes rest largely on the shoulders of Embiid. The reigning MVP’s history of injuries has been the team’s Achilles heel. Last season, Embiid’s injuries once again played a role in the Sixers' early exit from the playoffs. If he’s healthy, the Sixers have a legitimate shot at contending. If not, the team’s chances dwindle significantly. Another important point about Embiid is that until last season, we witnessed him constantly being dominated in the playoffs, especially by the Boston Celtics. However, last season, even though they lost the series against New York, we finally saw that Embiid had matured mentally. First, despite being injured, his desire to play and his decision to continue playing showed his love for the game and his competitive spirit. His more confident and decisive actions during games might have been his biggest gain from last season.
One of the most important aspects of George joining the team is how it will alleviate some of the pressure on both Maxey and Embiid. George brings much-needed versatility and depth, and at 34 years old, his experience and shooting ability will provide crucial support. Moreover, George’s lack of desire to dominate the ball will make him an easy fit into Nurse’s system, where ball movement and spacing are key.
The rest of the starting lineup is expected to include Kelly Oubre Jr., who had an impressive season last year. The Sixers managed to keep him on a low salary, a shrewd move by Daryl Morey. Caleb Martin is likely to fill the final spot in the starting five, though his position isn’t locked in, and his performance will dictate whether he remains in the starting unit.
So, the starting lineup will likely be:
- Maxey
- Oubre
- Paul George
- Caleb Martin
- Embiid
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The Sixers also added several veterans this offseason. Notable veteran signings include Eric Gordon, Andre Drummond, and Reggie Jackson, while they also retained Kyle Lowry. These players bring invaluable playoff experience and leadership. Gordon adds shooting and spacing, Drummond contributes rebounding and rim protection, Jackson offers scoring and playmaking off the bench, and Lowry provides veteran savvy and championship character at point guard.
They also signed Guerschon Yabusele, who has prior NBA experience and brings defensive versatility. KJ Martin, brother of Caleb Martin, brings youth and athleticism, giving Philly energy on both ends. Rookies Adem Bona and Jared McCain round out the roster, with Bona's shot-blocking and rebounding and McCain's shooting potential as a floor-spacer.
After years of searching for a third star and finally parting ways with Tobias Harris, the Sixers are in a strong position. On paper, the team appears well-balanced and capable of making a deep playoff run. However, even if they manage to stay healthy, the road to a championship will be far from easy, with several formidable opponents standing in their way.
Nonetheless, Philadelphia fans have more reasons for optimism this season than ever before. With the new pieces in place and a healthy Embiid, Philadelphia has positioned itself as a serious contender. The question now is: can they finally take the next step and bring a championship back to Philly?
