Philadelphia 76ers Preview

A take a look at the 76ers going into the 2024-25 season …

New Faces:  Paul George, Caleb Martin, Guerschon Yabusele, Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson, Andre Drummond, Jared McCain, Adem Bona

Key Losses:  Tobias Harris, Buddy Hield, Nicolas Batum, De’Anthony Melton, Robert Covington, Paul Reed, Cameron Payne, Mo Bamba

Overview

The pieces remain in location, and for Joel Embiid and the Sixers, the time to provide is now.

After years of waiting, Philadelphia has actually lastly surrounded its MVP with the type of lineup that turns possible into truth. They cleared their books, landed Paul George — among the very best totally free representatives offered — and generated a mix of experienced veterans like Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, and Eric Gordon.

The front workplace included the surprise of the Paris Olympics, French forward Guerschon Yabusele, while keeping essential gamers like Kyle Lowry and Kelly Oubre Jr. Even second-round choice Jared McCain looks all set to contribute.

The objective? Clear as day: a champion. And it’s clear Embiid runs out reasons.

Over the years, we’ve enjoyed the story unfold: Embiid controls the routine season, just for injuries to hinder his playoff runs. From fractured orbital bones to torn meniscuses, his body hasn’t held up when the Sixers require him most. This is a gamer who has actually handled whatever from thumb ligaments to viral infections, yet still handles to appear like the very best gamer on earth when he’s healthy. But here’s the important things: that window is closing. Embiid is 30 now, and huge guys like him — who are bring near 300 pounds of muscle—don’t tend to age well.

This is why the Sixers’ method this year is various. No more chasing after regular-season awards.

“No All-Star. No All-NBA. Whatever it takes to make sure I get to [the playoffs] healthy,” Embiid stated at media day.

It’s clear that this group will do whatever in its power to have their MVP in leading kind when it counts most.

The concern, however, stays: Can they lastly overcome the bulge? Sure, they’ve got the skill. Adding Paul George, a 34-year-old star still efficient in two-way radiance, is a game-changer. Tyrese Maxey continues to progress into a genuine star in his own right. The supporting cast is deep and flexible, with adequate shooting and defense to provide the Sixers a puncher’s possibility in any series.

But health is the genuine secret. If Embiid’s body holds up and George can remain on the flooring, Philly is as hazardous as anybody in the East.

They’ve got the pieces to go toe-to-toe with Boston, Milwaukee, or Miami. But if the very same script plays out, if Embiid breaks down once again, it might be another long offseason of what-ifs.

So, here we are. Everything is on the table. The lineup is set. The plan is clear. All eyes are on Embiid and the 76ers. And there disappear reasons left.