2025-26 NBA Guide- Philadelphia 76ers

Sixers: An Injury-Riddled Season

The Philadelphia 76ers endured, undoubtedly, one of the most disappointing seasons in recent NBA history. After an eventful offseason, which included the blockbuster signing of Paul George, the Sixers entered 2024–25 as one of the main contenders to challenge the Boston Celtics for Eastern Conference supremacy. But what followed was a complete collapse of expectations.

At first, everything seemed to be aligning for Philadelphia. Joel Embiid, the team’s cornerstone, was coming off a strong postseason run despite his ongoing injury issues. He even guided Team USA to Olympic gold at the 2024 Paris Games, delivering dominant performances throughout the knockout rounds. That run reignited belief among fans and analysts that the Sixers were ready to make a serious title push.

But even before the season tipped off, things began to unravel. Embiid experienced renewed swelling in his surgically repaired knee, forcing him to miss time during training camp. Meanwhile, George also went down with a knee injury in the preseason. Both stars missed the team’s opening games, and the Sixers’ momentum evaporated before it even began.

The season opener set the tone for what was to come. After returning from injury, and a short suspension for shoving a reporter in a press conference, Embiid made his debut in the team’s tenth game. However, he only managed to play 19 total games before requiring yet another knee surgery in April.

George fared slightly better but still appeared in just 41 games, posting some of his lowest averages in years. To make matters worse, standout rookie Jared McCain suffered a knee injury after an impressive start and was sidelined for the rest of the season after only 23 appearances. With injury after injury piling up, Philadelphia quickly watched its playoff hopes disappear.

Realizing the season was slipping away, the front office made a strategic pivot. The Sixers owed their 2025 first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder, but only if it fell outside the top six. So, down the stretch, the team leaned heavily on its bench and young players, effectively prioritizing lottery odds over short-term wins.

The gamble paid off. The Sixers finished 13th in the East with a 24–58 record, and lucked out in the draft lottery, landing the third overall pick. Thus, keeping it away from Oklahoma City.

Financial Complication During Offseason

Heading into the summer, Philadelphia’s flexibility was limited. Their most valuable asset was that newly secured third overall pick, and rumors immediately began swirling that it could be traded for veteran help. Still, GM Daryl Morey remained firm, he wouldn’t deal it away.

Instead, the Sixers selected V.J. Edgecombe, a dynamic 20-year-old guard/wing from Baylor. One of the most athletic players in the draft, Edgecombe is known for his elite perimeter defense and relentless motor. Offensively, he’s a strong slasher with impressive body control around the rim but still needs to develop as a shooter. He’s viewed as a high-upside prospect for the long run.

Veterans Eric Gordon and Kyle Lowry re-signed on one-year deals, while Justin Edwards, a young forward who flashed potential during the team’s down stretch, secured a three-year extension. The biggest departure was Guerschon Yabusele, who returned to the NBA last season after five years in Europe and averaged 11 points and 5.6 rebounds over 70 games. He signed with the New York Knicks in free agency.

One unresolved issue remains: Quentin Grimes. The 24-year-old guard, acquired midseason from Dallas, became a bright spot in an otherwise gloomy year. He averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over 28 games, including back-to-back performances of 44 and 46 points against the Warriors and Rockets.

His breakout made him a top offseason priority for Philadelphia. However, negotiations have dragged on for over two months with no resolution yet. The team’s decision not to re-sign Yabusele was seen by many as a move to preserve cap space for Grimes — and securing him long term is critical for the Sixers’ immediate future.

A Return to the Playoffs Is Non-Negotiable

The Sixers now find themselves in an unusual position: a roster that’s simultaneously built to win now and develop for the future. Veterans Embiid and George are nearing the twilight of their careers and want to maximize every remaining season. Meanwhile, youngsters like McCain and Edgecombe represent the long-term vision of the franchise.

The summer brought mixed updates. Embiid continues to rehab from knee surgery and doesn’t have a firm return date, though he’s reportedly taking comfort in being able to fully recover this time without rushing back. George also underwent a knee procedure but is expected to be ready for training camp in October.

Between these two timelines stands Tyrese Maxey, the franchise’s brightest young star. Still only 24, Maxey has already cemented himself as the team’s offensive engine under coach Nick Nurse. The reigning Most Improved Player of the Year, he averaged 26.3 points in 37.5 minutes per game last season, proving he’s capable of carrying the load when others are sidelined.

Beyond that trio, depth remains a concern, particularly in the frontcourt, following Yabusele’s departure. The Sixers, however, are overloaded at guard, especially if Grimes re-signs.

Despite the chaos, this roster, if healthy, still ranks among the most talented in the Eastern Conference. And with several rivals, including Boston and Indiana, also battling injuries, Philadelphia could bounce back in 2025–26. Then again, another season of bad luck could easily trigger déjà vu.

Everything Comes Down to Joel Embiid

No discussion of the Sixers’ future can avoid the question that defines the franchise: Can Joel Embiid stay healthy?

ESPN’s Dotun Akintoye captured it best in a recent feature chronicling Embiid’s career struggles with injury and resilience. He reminded readers that less than two years ago, Embiid was playing at an even higher level than during his MVP season.

In December 2023, Embiid averaged a staggering 40.2 points and 12.6 rebounds, with 51- and 70-point explosions in consecutive months. Weeks later, a torn meniscus ended his season. He pushed through that same injury to appear briefly in the playoffs against the New York Knicks, playing through immense pain just to keep the Sixers competitive.

That’s been the story of his career, transcendent talent overshadowed by relentless injuries. Even when limited physically, Embiid remains capable of MVP-caliber performances. The problem is that his body, especially his knees, seems increasingly unable to sustain the grind. Over the past two seasons, he has appeared in just 58 of a possible 164 games.

This time, though, the Sixers appear committed to letting him recover fully, with no rushed timelines or expectations. It’s the right call, and possibly the only way Embiid can return to his dominant best. Both the organization and the player seem united in that goal.

Health: Priorities #1, #2, and #3

Ultimately, everything for the 76ers, literally everything, hinges on health. No factor has derailed this team more in recent years. When Embiid, George, and Maxey shared the floor last season, they went 11–4, but that trio played only 15 total games together.

No team can compete for a championship under those conditions.

If the Sixers can finally stay healthy, they have the talent, the coaching, and the firepower to reassert themselves as contenders in the East. But if injuries strike again, another year of wasted potential may be inevitable.