Despite boasting an MVP in Joel Embiid and two All-Stars in Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, the Philadelphia 76ers finished last season 24-58, missing the playoffs.
It was one of the most disappointing campaigns in NBA history. However, with all of their stars still under contract, the 76ers were (are) expected to bounce back this year.
After all, the Eastern Conference is weaker than ever, Embiid should be back in form, and George has now had two offseasons to find his footing and role on his new team.
After media day, confidence is at an all-time low in Philadelphia.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 04: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts to a foul during the first half of the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the Wells Fargo Center on February 04, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers Filled With ‘Anxiety’
Embiid last had surgery on his left knee in April. At media day, he revealed that he has returned to practice, but there is no “rush” or timeline for his return.
After only 58 appearances in the last two seasons, fans might want him to put a definite return date out there, at least for their own peace of mind.
“There’s a lot of anxiety,” reported NBA insider Chris Mannix on the October 2nd episode of the Rich Eisen Show. “Joel Embiid sits down and has the cliche book right out, going, ‘One day at a time. I’m going to listen to the doctors taking it step by step. Got a lot of boxes to check.’ That made me incredibly nervous because it felt a little bit like deja vu, like where we were last year, where Joel Embiid was not ready for training camp.”
When healthy, Embiid is one of the very best players in the world. However, his health has long been in question, and his inability to stay on the court has severely dampened the Sixers’ once-promising title hopes.
Two years removed from his MVP season, most fans have an “I’ll believe it when I see it” mentality surrounding his success. So far, he hasn’t given much indication that he will ever be an elite, reliable player again.
“They need Joel Embiid playing 55 to 60 games to give them a chance to compete in the conference,” Mannix added.
With the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers out of the running, the time is now for the Sixers to go on a run. Unlike their conference rivals, their star didn’t suffer a brutal injury on a massive stage. Unike Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum, there is a lot of intrigue and mystery surrounding Embiid and his health.
76ers’ Situation Won’t Get Better
The 76ers are committed to their core, for better or worse. Embiid, George, and Maxey are all under contract through 2027-28 at the very earliest, and that trio will make a combined $162.8 million in that season.
Last year, their trio played 15 games together. They went 7-8 in those contests.
George is on the wrong side of 35 years old and is on a totally untradeable contract. Embiid’s value is at an all-time low, and Maxey is likely next in line to be the face of the franchise.
The only way out, it seems, is forward. In order for the Sixers to alleviate the anxiety surrounding them and play winning basketball, they simply have to step on the court. In theory, Embiid, George, and Maxey should be the best trio in the entire NBA, but fans and opponents haven’t seen enough to take them seriously.
Unless Embiid gets healthy–or retires–The Process will have never truly gotten off the ground.
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