Considered one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference, the Sixers started their season on a new page. Exit Doc Rivers after three disappointing seasons. Exit too James Harden who never fully integrated into the project. It’s the turn of Nick Nurse to come and drive the Pennsylvania team. Under his leadership, Philadelphia is off to a good start to the season with 29 wins – 13 losses and is only half a game away from second place. But that was without counting the injury of Joel Embiid (meniscus tear) occurred during the game against the Warriors. Following the latter, the entire Sixers collective will collapse. Since Nick Nurse’s men will post a record of 11 wins for 22 losses, slipping to eighth place in the conference. Despite a cannonball finish with 8 victories in their last 8 matches. Philadelphia will not manage to climb higher than seventh place, synonymous with play-in against Miami. A fiercely contested meeting, but won by a small point (105-104) which will allow them to face New York in the first round of the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Knicks will be too strong and despite the Maxey – Embiid duo (30 pts, 5 rbs, 7 pds and 33 pts, 11 rbs, 6 pds) in the oven and the mill, the Sixers are eliminated in the first round. Something that hasn’t happened to them since the 2019-2020 season and a sweep against the Celtics.
- offseason movements
Arrivals: Jared Mcain (draft), Adem Bona (Draft), Andre Drummond (free agent), Paul George (free agent), Eric Gordon (free agent), Regie Jackson (free agent), Caleb martin (free agent), Guerschon Yabusele ( free agent)
Departures: Nicolas Batum, Mo bamba, Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton, Cameron Payne, Paul Reed
PG : Tyrese Maxey, Kyle Lowry, Jeff Dowtin jr,
SG : Kelly Oubre Jr, Eric Gordon, Jared McCain, Ricky Council IV
SF : Paul George, Kj Martin,
PF : Guerschon Yabusele, Caleb Martin
C : Joel Embiid, Andre Drummond, Adem Bona
PG : Tyrese Maxey SG : Kelly Oubre Jr SF : Paul George PF : Caleb Martin C : Joel Embiid
Unsurprisingly, Nick Nurse should have less trouble fielding the same major five as last season. Even with the departures of Nicolas Batum to the Clippers, Paul Reed to the Pistons or De’Anthony Melton to the Warriors. The Canadian technician finds himself with more certainties than last season. And if injuries spare his group, very little change will be expected unlike last year (36 five major disputes used). We will therefore find the trio all star Tyrese Maxey / Joel Embiid / Paul Georgewho will be responsible for setting the tone on both ends of the field. Indeed, coming off an excellent season averaging 26 pts, 6 pds 4 rbs in 70 games. The former Kentucky leader won everything in his path. All star for the first time, titled MIPextended for $204 million, Maxey showed that he was the starter at position 1 and the future of the franchise. The pivot position will be occupied by Joel Embiid. Despite missing 43 games this season, the pivot showed that when his health allowed him, he was one of the best players in the NBA. With 35 pts, 11 rbs, 5 pds, 2 ctrs and 1 int per match in 34 minutes of playing time. The former MVP was the number one threat on this Philly team. Untenable offensively, and the real spearhead of the defense put in place by Nick Nurse. The American-French Cameroonian will once again be the Sixers’ first option this season. The duo will be joined by another multiple all star. Coming off an almost complete season (74 games played), Paul George arrives in Pennsylvania after signing a max contract. Author of 22 pts, 5 rebounds and 3 pds on average. The winger from the Clippers will provide outside defense as well as long-distance shooting (41% success in the exercise). It can also serve as ball handler and thus prevent its leader from being put under pressure too often. The following will then complete the major five: Kelly Oubre Jr et Caleb Martin. If the first in its role of 3&D excelled last season (15 pts, 5 rbs at 38% from long distance) and should therefore apply for a starting role at position 2. Nothing is less certain for Caleb Martin. The interior will compete with the vice Olympic champion Guerschon Yabusele. And if the former Heat player leaves with a small lead (accustomed to the NBA game), nothing is less certain about his tenure at position 4 in the long term.
Arrived last season as a free agent. Kyle Lowry will continue his role as backup leader of the second unit. With 8 pts, 4 pds and 3 rbs coming off the bench, the former Raptors will have the task of managing the attack. Both in scoring and passing. He will also be supported by the rookie de Duke Jared Mccain as well as by Kj Martin. The first arrives initially to bring his spacing. The second will provide its external defense. And will probably be assigned to the best scorer of the opposing second unit. Finally, the interior sector will see the Yabusele / Martin – Drummond association. The Frenchman should alternate between the bench and the major five depending on the opponent and the match up of the evening. As for the pivot, like during his first stint in the franchise. He will be the perfect replacement for Joel Embiid. Rebound vacuum (8 catches coming off the bench last year), perfect target for lobbed passes, decent defender in the post. He should often be associated with the starting frontcourt when the Olympic champion goes to rest.
- the player to watch: jared mccain
A real will-o’-the-wisp during its season freshmen at Duke (14 pts, 5 rebounds, 2 pds average at 46% shooting including 41% at three points). The back will have a very good player card for his first season in the big league. Chosen in 16th place during the 2024 Draft, the Blue Devils shooter will bring spacing to the second unit. Capable of real offensive cards (2 matches with 30 points or more during the March Madness), Jared McCain is also capable of asserting his presence on the rebound (5 shots per game in the NCAA). Diamond who only asks to be polished, if he is well trained and coached properly, there is no doubt that he could become the steal of this draft.
The extension of Tyrese Maxey
Go from a season of 20 pts, 3 rbs, 3 pds to 26 pts, 6 pds 4 rbs. Appointed Most Improved Player et all star for the first time in his career. Maxey experienced his breakout season. Offensive leader of the Sixers during the absence of Joel Embiid. The leader has established himself as the potential holder of his position, and one of the first attacking options for his team. Able to punish at long distance (37% success) as well as slasher to the circle or pull-up at mid distance (50%). His contract extension will allow Philadelphia to continue to secure its jewel. While consolidating its new big 3 which should take it to the top.
Paul George’s signature
The signature of the offseason for Philadelphia. Sign asagent libre from the Clippers. The ninefold all star arrives in the city of brotherly love, with the objective of taking this Sixers team to a new level. At the end of a season where the winger was absent very little (74 matches played for 22 pts, 5 rbs and 3 pds on average), Paul George will bring his presence to both sides of the field. This will also allow Nick Nurse to unload his leader a little during the ball recovery as well as on the defensive level.
A versatile major five
In addition to its big 3Philadelphia finds itself with a middle five very versatile with players capable of scoring and defending. Indeed, whether it is Kelly Oubre Jr, Maxey, Embiid, George or Caleb Martin / Guerschon Yabusele. They are all capable of scoring from long range as well as inside or shooting from mid-range. Defensively, the contribution of Paul George and Yabusele will do the team a lot of good (eleventh diffensive rating of the league).
Joel Embiid’s health
How far will the body of the pivot be able to take it? This is undoubtedly the question that the front-office of the franchise. With more than half of last season missed due to various injuries (torn meniscus, ankle), Embiid is a regular in the Sixers infirmary (orbital fracture, concussion, torn thumb ligament, sprained knee) . An absence that is often detrimental, because when the 2023 MVP is in good shape, Philadelphia is one of the favorites in its conference.
The relatively light post 4
Guerschon Yabusele and Caleb Martin. Here are the two main players who will share the minutes at position 4. A little light if Philadelphia wants to aim for the top of its conference and go far in playoff. Certainly, Yabusele is coming off an excellent season with Real and the France team, Caleb Martin is a decent player in his position and different players can help out in sequence. But in the event of injuries or fouling problems, the rotation could quickly become problematic.
The loss of Nicolas Batum
In general, losing a player who had a season with 5 pts, 4 rebounds and 2 pds in 60 games is rarely crippling. The problem is that it is Nicolas Batum: one of the most underrated players in the NBA. And ask any team, a squad is not the same with and without him. Returning to the Clippers to join his family, position 3 would have been of great help to the Sixers, both in attack and defense.
- forecast balance: 52 victories – 30 defeats third place in the east
The objective is clearly to conference final for the Sixers. With the arrival of Paul George to complete the big 3, a Tyrese Maxey who will want to confirm his last season and a Joel Embiid in good health (or at least not too injured). The franchise will want to break its glass ceiling. However, on certain positions, the number seems too tight. And in the event of injuries or foul problems, this could prove prohibitive. Especially against better armed teams.
