THE PHILADELPHIA 76ERS may have emerged as the winners of the NBA offseason, but not without making a significant gamble on the future of the franchise.
After their defeat in the first round of the 2024 playoffs against the New York Knicks, where they lost in six games, Philadelphia entered the offseason with only two players under contract: the undrafted rookie guard Ricky Council IV from 2023 and 2023 Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid.
However, just weeks later, the 76ers had reinvented themselves into a legitimate championship contender. Paul George signed a four-year maximum contract with Philadelphia, departing from his hometown of Los Angeles—the first current All-Star to switch teams during free agency in five years. Tyrese Maxey, who had been advised to hold off on signing a rookie contract extension the previous summer to preserve cap space, secured a new five-year max deal. The team also re-signed Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kyle Lowry while adding newcomers Eric Gordon, Caleb Martin, and Andre Drummond. Last month, Embiid signed a three-year contract extension as well.
“It’s probably not something we recommend,” 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey jokingly told ESPN, referring to the team’s precarious strategy this summer. “But it was certainly the best course of action, even if it was a very, very risky one.”
This was a risk that the franchise felt was essential.
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After a few years filled with instability, drama, and an ever-changing roster surrounding Embiid—from Jimmy Butler to Ben Simmons and James Harden—the 76ers have now provided him with a more stable set of supporting players, headed by co-stars Maxey and George. After watching their superstar center suffer through season-altering injuries, the team seems to have intensified their efforts to keep Embiid in good health as he pursues the championship that has eluded his Hall of Fame career.
“I’ve achieved everything [individually],” Embiid stated to ESPN. “But there’s one thing missing: winning a championship.”
<strong.EMBIID'S CAREER HAS been adversely affected by injuries at crucial moments, particularly during the playoffs.
He faced facial fractures in 2018 and 2022, along with knee issues in 2021 and 2023. Last season, Embiid was on track to become one of the few players in NBA history to score more points than minutes played, but a left knee injury late in January sidelined him until April, leaving him with little time to prepare for the postseason. (During the first round, Embiid also disclosed that he was playing through Bell’s palsy.)
Consequently, following the Knicks series, Embiid messaged Morey.
“We have to do whatever it takes to ensure that I’m healthy come playoff time,” Embiid recounted at the team’s media day last month.
The 30-year-old Embiid has been proactive, arriving at training camp having shed 25 to 30 pounds and aiming to lose even more. He cited Hall of Fame big man Tim Duncan’s physical transformation throughout his career as motivation, hoping that a leaner physique will help him endure the demands of the NBA season. “It’s about evolving your body, aging, and finding ways to maintain and continue to be as dominant as I have always been,” he noted.
Additionally, after participating in just 433 of a potential 637 games over the past eight seasons—not considering the first two years, which he missed due to foot injuries—Embiid’s days of playing in back-to-back games seemingly come to an end.
“If I had to guess,” Embiid remarked, “I would probably never play back-to-backs for the rest of my career.”
“We intend to approach this wisely,” Morey stated. “Part of that means that both Paul and Joel will likely not play in many back-to-backs, if any at all.”
Paul George joins forces with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in their mission to break the 76ers’ 41-year championship drought. Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images
The organization has made it a top priority to ensure Embiid, who was ruled out for the remainder of the preseason on Sunday as he prepares for the season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks, reaches the playoffs in optimal health.
Nurse’s strategy in Philadelphia should be reminiscent of past tactics. During the Raptors’ championship run in 2018-19, he managed Kawhi Leonard, who played only 60 games that season and missed one game of each back-to-back situation. This approach allowed Leonard to excel during Toronto’s playoff journey, where he averaged 30.5 points and 39.1 minutes per game, ultimately earning the Finals MVP award.
Adopting a similar strategy for Embiid and the 76ers could prove challenging. In 2018-19, the Raptors recorded a 17-5 record in the 22 games Leonard was absent. However, Nurse pointed out that the current Eastern Conference is much stronger in terms of top-tier teams compared to that season.
“It wasn’t the same deal,” Nurse explained to ESPN. “But I’m fine with that. We shouldn’t become overly fixated on chasing 45, 55, or even 65 wins.”
Embiid will, reluctantly, continue wearing a brace on the left knee he injured in January. Even though he has never liked using either a facemask or brace throughout his career, he stated that it won’t prevent him from showcasing the skills that have established him as one of the league’s most formidable players.
“It’s the right choice for me, and it’s what will support my career going forward,” Embiid said. “Mentally, it was tough for me. I disliked it. But I started to tell myself, ‘I have to do this; it’s the only way I can play.’
“It might not look as smooth as before, with my jab or pull-up shots, but it will still be effective.”
IN THE EARLY hours of free agency, Drummond received an unexpected call on his phone: it was Embiid. He was hoping for a chance to reunite.
“Receiving a call from the best center in the NBA saying, ‘I need you here’ … it’s tough to turn that down,” Drummond shared with ESPN, beaming. “I talked to several teams over the summer, and he was probably the third or fourth person to reach out to me.”
“I didn’t see it coming. He expressed what he was looking for and emphasized the importance of my return to help him achieve something greater than himself. He’s already earned the MVP title and his scoring title … he’s accomplished it all.”
“And now he’s focused on winning a championship.”
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Acquiring Drummond—widely regarded as the best backup center in the NBA and someone Philadelphia has sought to rejoin the franchise since trading him in the Harden deal two years ago—should aid the 76ers in avoiding a significant drop in performance when their superstar center is resting.
Over the last four seasons, the 76ers have consistently been at least 10 points per 100 possessions more effective with Embiid on the floor compared to when he is off. Despite facing a series of injuries during the playoffs,
and when his personal stats have decreased, that gap has continued.
For instance, during their six-game playoff series last season, Philadelphia outperformed New York by 46 points over 248 minutes with Embiid on the floor. Conversely, the Knicks outscored the 76ers by 47 points in the 45 minutes he was off the court.
“The disparities from the past couple of years, especially during the series against New York, are unacceptable,” Embiid stated. “When we have different players on the court, we need to ensure we have enough talent to stay competitive, which is why recruiting was crucial for me.”
Philadelphia acknowledged that merely acquiring Drummond would not resolve its depth concerns. Initially, the 76ers anticipated pursuing Martin only if George opted to remain with the Clippers or signed elsewhere in free agency. However, Philadelphia took advantage of the situation and secured him on a four-year contract when the market shifted against him. Now, Martin, George, and Oubre—who was one of the league’s best value signings last season, returning on a two-year, $16 million deal—will all start, while Gordon and Lowry will add experienced depth.
“I feel good about our positioning,” George told ESPN. “As we’ve been mentioning, Joel is still a significant asset, right? No one can truly match up with him. Plus, we have great complementary players surrounding him.”
“This group is incredibly talented. We can play rapidly, adapt to a small lineup, or go big, all while being a strong defensive squad. Our offensive potential is high as well… it’s sure to be an exciting season.”
In the Eastern Conference race, the reigning champion Boston Celtics have retained their entire rotation, with Morey telling ESPN that he believes Boston is the NBA’s top team since the Golden State Warriors had Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant together five years ago. The Knicks made two major trades for Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns; the Milwaukee Bucks still boast Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard; the Miami Heat have Butler, Bam Adebayo, and head coach Erik Spoelstra; and emerging teams like the Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Orlando Magic all aspire to finish in the conference’s top four.
Nonetheless, the 76ers remain optimistic that this season will mark a shift after numerous postseason setbacks. With the quality additions they have made, Philadelphia believes it can adhere to its strategy of managing the games and minutes for both Embiid and George, safeguarding their health for the playoffs. The turmoil of previous years seems to be behind them, as annual roster unpredictability has transformed into a stable core locked in for several years.
“The names on paper look promising, but this isn’t 2K. It’s not fantasy basketball; it’s reality,” Maxey told ESPN. “The components must fit together. If we can align the pieces and play with intensity, we stand a chance.”
“That’s a question I can only respond to once we step onto the court,” Embiid said when asked if he views this season as his best opportunity to win a title. ”We have a significant amount of talent, but we still need to go out and learn how to translate that into success.”
“That’s why I’m thrilled that everyone will be committed for a couple of years… we have a solid chance to achieve something great.”
76ers’ High-Stakes Offseason: A Gamble on a Championship Future
Understanding the 76ers’ Offseason Moves
The Philadelphia 76ers are entering a pivotal offseason that could define their trajectory for years to come. With their eyes set firmly on a NBA championship, the front office is faced with crucial decisions regarding player contracts, trades, and draft picks. The stakes have never been higher for the 76ers, who are balancing the urgency of winning now with the long-term vision for their franchise.
Key Players and Potential Departures
One of the most significant aspects of the 76ers’ offseason revolves around the future of their star players. The franchise’s core includes:
- Joel Embiid – The reigning MVP and cornerstone of the team.
- James Harden - A veteran presence whose future is uncertain.
- Tobias Harris – A versatile forward whose contract status is critical.
Rumors surrounding trade possibilities, especially involving Harden, have circulated extensively. His performance and fit alongside Embiid will significantly influence the team’s success moving forward.
Free Agency Targets
In addition to potential trades, the 76ers must navigate free agency strategically. Here are some potential targets who could elevate the team’s championship aspirations:
- Fred VanVleet – A dynamic guard who could provide scoring and playmaking.
- Kyle Kuzma – A versatile forward who can stretch the floor.
- Jakob Poeltl – A rim protector to bolster the defense.
Drafting for the Future
The NBA Draft is another critical element of the 76ers’ high-stakes offseason. The team’s draft decisions could yield immediate contributors or future stars. Key strategies include:
- Talent Evaluation: It’s essential to assess college prospects thoroughly to identify fits for their system.
- Trading Picks: The 76ers might consider trading picks to acquire established players or position themselves better for future drafts.
Recent Draft Success and Failures
To understand how the 76ers can approach the draft, it’s helpful to look back at their recent selections:
| Year | Player Selected | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Ben Simmons | All-Star & Rookie of the Year |
| 2017 | Markelle Fultz | Trade asset; underperformed |
| 2018 | Mikal Bridges | Traded; now a star |
| 2019 | Tyrese Maxey | Key contributor & rising star |
Contract Decisions and Salary Cap Management
The 76ers must carefully consider their salary cap situation as they look to build a championship-caliber roster. Key aspects include:
- Maximizing Cap Space: Understanding the salary cap implications of player contracts will be critical.
- Future Extensions: Planning for potential extensions for young talent like Tyrese Maxey.
Current Salary Cap Snapshot
Here’s a simplified view of the current salary commitments for the 76ers:
| Player | Contract Status | 2023-24 Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Joel Embiid | Max Contract | $51.4M |
| James Harden | Player Option | $47.4M |
| Tobias Harris | Expiring Contract | $39.3M |
Benefits of a Strategic Offseason
Executing a well-thought-out offseason can yield several benefits for the 76ers:
- Building Chemistry: Integrating new players into the existing core can enhance team dynamics.
- Enhancing Depth: Addressing weaknesses in the roster through strategic acquisitions or drafts can build a more resilient team.
- Improving Performance: Fresh talent can invigorate the team’s performance and create competition for starting roles.
Practical Tips for Following the 76ers’ Offseason Strategy
If you want to stay informed on the 76ers’ high-stakes offseason:
- Follow credible sports news outlets for updates on trades and free agency signings.
- Engage with 76ers’ fan forums to discuss potential moves and strategies.
- Monitor salary cap situations through websites like Spotrac or Basketball-Reference.
Case Studies: Success Stories from Other Teams
Analyzing how other franchises have successfully navigated high-stakes offseasons can provide valuable insights:
- Miami Heat (2020): After a disappointing season, the Heat restructured their roster, acquiring Jimmy Butler and supporting players, leading to an NBA Finals appearance.
- Milwaukee Bucks (2020): The Bucks acquired Jrue Holiday, which helped them secure the championship in 2021, demonstrating the impact of strategic trades.
First-Hand Experience: Fans’ Perspectives
Engaging with fans can provide a unique perspective on how the 76ers’ offseason decisions affect them:
“As a lifelong fan, I hope the 76ers can find a way to keep Embiid happy and healthy while bringing in the right pieces to complement his game.” - Josh, Philadelphia
“I believe that the draft is crucial. If we can land a quality player who can contribute right away, it could make all the difference.” – Maya, 76ers Fan
Conclusion
While the 76ers’ offseason is undoubtedly a gamble, the potential rewards are immense. By making strategic decisions regarding trades, free agency, and the draft, the team can position itself for a successful championship run. With a dedicated and talented roster, the 76ers remain in contention to bring a title back to Philadelphia.
