The Sixers made a splash this offseason by signing nine-time All-Star Paul George to a four-year, $212 million deal. Despite efforts by the Clippers to keep George, their offers didn’t meet his expectations. Los Angeles never got there in length, and some of the rumored salary numbers were straight up disrespectful. Once it became clear Los Angeles wouldn’t offer him a four-year max deal, George began exploring other options and found a contender in the Sixers, who had cap space and a need for another star alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
George, who turns 35 during this year’s playoffs, remains an elite player, averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game last season while shooting 41.3% from 3. His ability as a three-level scorer, coupled with his proficiency in catch-and-shoot situations, makes him an ideal fit alongside Embiid and Maxey. George also brings playmaking skills, meaning he’ll handle the ball often and get his chances to run the team’s offense.
Defensively, George was in the 91st percentile in Defensive EPM last season. While age might gradually impact his athleticism, George remains a plus-level wing defender. His presence on the perimeter, with Embiid’s rim protection, strengthens the Sixers’ defense.
In addition to bringing George in, Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey made some other great moves. Philadelphia re-signed Kelly Oubre Jr., brought back veteran point guard Kyle Lowry and added Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon and Guerschon Yabusele, who balled out for France in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The team also selected Duke sharpshooter Jared McCain with the 16th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Martin, who averaged 10 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game last year, will start alongside George at forward, making the Sixers somewhat undersized outside of Embiid. This could result in a different playing style compared to last season. Head coach Nick Nurse will still allow Embiid to play his game, so there will be post-ups, mid-range jumpers and everything that comes with having an elite inside presence. But this will also be a more 3-happy offense. Last season, the Sixers ranked 25th in 3-point frequency (33.9%) and 19th in 3-point accuracy (36.7% on non-heaves), but this season’s starting lineup features four capable shooters alongside Embiid. That should mean a significant increase in attempts, and the players will likely knock them down at a higher clip.
A more perimeter-oriented offense could benefit Embiid and Maxey. Embiid will have more room to operate inside, and Maxey, one of the league’s most explosive drivers, will find clearer lanes to the basket. This setup also helps George, who will be lower on the opposing team’s scouting report than he has been since his days in Indiana, leading to better looks and more favorable isolation opportunities.
With Nurse at the helm and a retooled roster, the Sixers have the potential to rank in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive rating. This is a team with legitimate title aspirations, but the main concern is health. Embiid played only 39 games last season due to knee issues and has never played 70 games in a season. However, he lost significant weight in the offseason and has expressed a desire to prioritize his postseason health over regular-season accolades. Expect the Sixers to manage Embiid’s minutes carefully, especially with Drummond as a reliable backup. Drummond, a double-double machine, could be a starter elsewhere and will allow the team to rest Embiid when necessary.
George’s health is also a concern, though he played 74 games last season and was available in the playoffs. Philadelphia may take a cautious approach with him too.
In the end, this Sixers team might not be as dominant in the regular season but will be a force to reckon with when the playoffs begin. Opponents will have to deal with the league’s most dominant big man in Embiid, flanked by an explosive scoring guard, an All-Star wing and one of the better supporting casts in basketball. This is arguably the best team Embiid has ever played with, positioning the Sixers as strong contenders for a championship.
Sixers Win Total Prediction
The Sixers are going to be very careful with Embiid and George, so they likely won’t be at the top of the Eastern Conference standings. However, the Sixers aren’t going to punt on the regular season. Philadelphia likely wants to at least earn home-court advantage in the opening round of the playoffs. Winning 51 or more games is probably required there. That said, I lean towards the Over on the win total. It helps that Philadelphia has Maxey to carry the squad when the other stars sit. The Sixers are also deep with reliable bench players. As far as the bigger picture goes, Philadelphia can beat anyone. As long as Maxey, Embiid and George are out there, the Sixers can win a championship.
Lean: Over 50.5 Wins (+100)
