The Philadelphia 76ers came into the 2024-25 season with very high expectations, once again. Unfortunately, Philly has been underwhelming once again.
After signing All-Star Paul George to a $212 million dollar contract, the potential big three of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and George sounded incredible. Thus far, the trio have only played in three games together.
The Injury Curse
Injuries are no surprise to the 76ers organization. Jared McCain, who likely would have won rookie of the year, tore his meniscus in December. Paul George has already hyperextended his knee twice in a Sixers uniform. Their best player in Joel Embiid has been battered with injuries since he was drafted in 2014. Here is a list of the 2023 MVP’s injuries since then.
2014-16: Fractured foot
2016-17: Meniscus tear
2017-18: Orbital fracture
2018-19: Knee tendinitis
2019-20: Dislocated finger
2020-21: Partially torn meniscus
2021-22: Orbital fracture
2022-23: Sprained LCL
2023-24: Torn meniscus
2024-25: Sinus fracture
These injuries have stacked up for Embiid and it shows. Prior to this season, he announced that he would not play in back to back games. His body is simply unable to last through the season. This has been shown in every postseason, where he hasn’t been healthy enough to help the Sixers get past the second round.
Why A Rebuild Makes Sense
Time is simply running out in Philly. Being eliminated in the first and second round every season is getting old. Joel Embiid has been surrounded by multiple All-Star talents and has not been able to get the job done by winning a title. In a faster paced NBA, a worn down Embiid being the best player will become a liability for the Sixers, and it’s already showing.
Philadelphia sits at a 9-17 record and is the 12th seed in the Eastern Conference. At this rate, missing the playoffs is a major possibility. Missing the postseason after giving a huge contract to an aging Paul George and a new contract extension to a deteriorating Joel Embiid would be a massive failure.
If the 76ers do indeed miss the playoffs, they have a top-6 protected (goes to OKC if it falls outside) pick in play. They can obtain a young player and sustain a new future for Philadelphia.
The Plan
Trading Joel Embiid right now should be on the table for the Sixers. At the end of the day, he is an MVP and All-NBA player, so his trade value is relatively high. Philly can receive future first-round draft picks and young players in return for Embiid.
Trading Paul George in the offseason will be difficult due to his contract, but offloading him will be beneficial for a rebuild. His value has dropped significantly this season due to underperforming and injuries.
A new rebuild for the 76ers will be unfortunate because of all the high hopes and expectations over the last decade, but it makes the most sense. Building around young talents such as Tyrese Maxey & Jared McCain is an excellent start. It was rare to find two promising guards in today’s NBA.
The “Process” is looking very bleak. There have been many instances of trial and error in Philadelphia and something has to give. At the verge of missing playoffs, the future is in question and a rebuild will be on the horizon.
