A lot has changed since the last time you saw the Philadelphia 76ers play meaningful basketball. The Sixers signed nine-time All-Star Paul George, one of the best two-way wings in the NBA, to a four-year contract. But they weren’t done making new additions to add playoff experience to the roster. The Sixers signed Caleb Martin to a three-year deal, another talented wing with postseason experience.
The Sixers signed veteran sharpshooter Eric Gordan to a two-year deal and brought back Andre Drummond on a two-year contract. Philadelphia signed two experienced point guards, Kyle Lowry and Reggie Jackson, to complement their bench rotation. Kelly Oubre Jr. also re-signed with the Sixers on a two-year contract.
GM Elton Brand and President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey did a great job this summer. It was one of the best offseasons in the organization’s history during the past ten years. While adding much-needed veteran depth, they also drafted talented guard Jared McCain and big man Adem Bona. The signing of George is one of the most significant signings in the organization’s history.
Injuries have remained constant for the Sixers during the past decade. The injury bug hangs over the organization every season, and this year is no different. Two of the Sixers’ best three players, Joel Embiid and Paul George, have been ruled out for Wednesday’s home opener against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Sixers’ most significant question mark is the same thing that has held this team back. Can they stay healthy throughout the season? Philadelphia’s talent is among the top three teams in the East.
When the Sixers, hopefully, get Embiid and George back in the coming weeks, it will take some time for all the new pieces in Philadelphia to become a cohesive team. Chemistry doesn’t get built overnight, and it is worrisome that the Sixers have spent little time on the court as an entire unit this offseason. The Sixers were one of the winners of the offseason. But now it is time for the Sixers to back it up on the floor because you don’t win the NBA Finals in July.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the NBA will soon begin an investigation regarding Embiid’s knee injury. In the summer, Embiid played for Team USA in the Olympic Games but didn’t appear in any preseason games for the Sixers. The team has continued to state that this is all part of managing Embiid’s workload before the playoffs. But this entire situation is another weird saga surrounding the organization.
Although Embiid and George will likely re-join the team soon, fans are rightfully allowed to be annoyed at not having a healthy team for their first game. The Sixers are +550 to win the Eastern Conference and +1200 to win the NBA Finals on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Here is the potential rotation for the Sixers when healthy this season.
Sixers 2024-25 rotation:
PG: Tyrese Maxey, Kyle Lowry, Reggie Jackson
SG: Eric Gordon, Jared McCain, Ricky Council IV
SF: Paul George, Caleb Martin, Kenyon Martin Jr.
PF: Kelly Oubre Jr., Guerschon Yabusele
C: Joel Embiid, Andre Drummond, Adem Bona
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