The Philadelphia 76ers endured one of their most disappointing seasons in franchise history, finishing with a dismal 24 wins—tied for the seventh fewest in their 76-year history. This followed a brutal 5-31 stretch over their last 36 games. Despite the struggles, key players Paul George and Tyrese Maxey remain optimistic about the team’s future.
George, whose season was cut short by injuries in March, expressed confidence in the team’s potential. He highlighted the existing talent and the opportunity to add young players through the draft as key ingredients for a championship run in the coming years. This season was exceptionally challenging for George personally, marked by both on and off-court adversity, coupled with unexpected injuries that hampered his performance.
Maxey, despite his impressive scoring average of 26.3 points per game, also experienced a setback this season, shooting career lows from the field and beyond the arc. However, he sees this season as a stepping stone, believing that the team can only improve from here. He emphasized the importance of collective effort and dedicated offseason work to return to a competitive level.
The 76ers’ chances for a turnaround next season hinge on several factors. The team’s potential acquisition of a top draft prospect is a significant element, and the health of star center Joel Embiid is paramount. Embiid’s season was also hampered by injury, limiting him to just 19 games; the three stars (Embiid, George, and Maxey) only played together in 15 games. Maxey expressed concern for Embiid’s struggles, hoping for a full recovery.
The inconsistency in lineups and player availability plagued the 76ers throughout the season. George acknowledged the challenges faced by coach Nick Nurse in constantly adapting to the changing roster due to injuries and absences. While the season ended on a disappointing note, both George and Maxey believe that the foundation is in place for a resurgence next season. The offseason will be crucial for individual growth and team cohesion, setting the stage for a renewed push for contention.
