76ers Season Preview: Pieces In Place, And Now Time For Joel Embiid And Co. To Deliver

October 9, 2024

Philadelphia 76ers Preview

A look at the 76ers entering the 2024-25 season …

New Faces: Paul George, Caleb Martin, Guerschon Yabusele, Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson, Andre Drummond, Jared McCain, Adem Bona

Key Losses: Tobias Harris, Buddy Hield, Nicolas Batum, De’Anthony Melton, Robert Covington, Paul Reed, Cameron Payne, Mo Bamba

Overview

The pieces are in place, and for Joel Embiid and the Sixers, the time to deliver is now.

After years of waiting, Philadelphia has finally surrounded its MVP with the kind of roster that turns potential into reality. They cleared their books, landed Paul George — one of the best free agents available — and brought in a mix of seasoned veterans like Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, and Eric Gordon.

The front office added the surprise of the Paris Olympics, French forward Guerschon Yabusele, while keeping key players like Kyle Lowry and Kelly Oubre Jr. Even second-round pick Jared McCain looks ready to contribute.

The goal? Clear as day: a championship. And it’s clear Embiid has no more excuses.

Over the years, we’ve watched the story unfold: Embiid dominates the regular season, only for injuries to derail his playoff runs. From fractured orbital bones to torn meniscuses, his body hasn’t held up when the Sixers have needed him most. This is a player who has dealt with everything from thumb ligaments to viral infections, yet still manages to look like the best player on the planet when he’s healthy. But here’s the thing: that window is closing. Embiid is 30 now, and big men like him — who are carrying close to 300 pounds of muscle—don’t tend to age well.

This is why the Sixers’ approach this year is different. No more chasing regular-season accolades.

“No All-Star. No All-NBA. Whatever it takes to make sure I get to [the playoffs] healthy,” Embiid said at media day.

It’s no secret that this team will do everything in its power to have their MVP in top form when it counts most.

The question, though, remains: Can they finally get over the hump? Sure, they’ve got the talent. Adding Paul George, a 34-year-old star still capable of two-way brilliance, is a game-changer. Tyrese Maxey continues to evolve into a legitimate star in his own right. The supporting cast is deep and versatile, with enough shooting and defense to give the Sixers a puncher’s chance in any series.

But health is the real key. If Embiid’s body holds up and George can stay on the floor, Philly is as dangerous as anyone in the East.

They’ve got the pieces to go toe-to-toe with Boston, Milwaukee, or Miami. But if the same script plays out, if Embiid breaks down again, it could be another long offseason of what-ifs.

So, here we are. Everything is on the table. The roster is set. The blueprint is clear. All eyes are on Embiid and the 76ers. And there are no more excuses left.