Philadelphia 76ers: A Comprehensive Preview of the 2024-25 Season
As we gear up for the 2024-25 NBA season, it is considerably easier to preview the Philadelphia 76ers now than it was a year ago. The team endured significant changes last season, including a coaching overhaul and additions of several players on minimum contracts. Yet, the bigger complication was James Harden's strategic decision to opt-in and subsequently ask for a trade, leaving the team in a state of limbo until the last day of October.
General Manager Daryl Morey has always emphasized that rosters in July are far from being final products. This philosophy proved true when the Sixers managed to pull off a series of strategic moves over the summer, setting the groundwork for a hopeful season, even if the anticipated splash did not come in the form of another superstar.
Offseason Transactions
The Harden trade, while not lucrative in terms of star power, opened up opportunities that the Sixers capitalized on. Paul George of the Los Angeles Clippers briefly became a focal point of Philadelphia's offseason ambition. Although the Clippers played hardball, the Sixers offered George a maximum contract, bringing Dr. J to his doorstep to seal the deal. Unfortunately for Philly, George remained with the Clippers.
Nevertheless, the offseason brought significant gains. Tyrese Maxey, who made his first All-Star appearance and clinched the Most Improved Player award for the 2023-24 season, agreed to a max contract on the first day of free agency. The move highlighted the Sixers' commitment to their young star. On the other hand, the team made tactical acquisitions including the re-signing of Kelly Oubre Jr. on the room midlevel exception and Kyle Lowry for the minimum.
Andre Drummond and Caleb Martin took up most of the remaining cap space, while veterans like Eric Gordon and Reggie Jackson were lured in on minimum deals. Additionally, the intriguing addition of Guerschon Yabusele, fresh off his gold medal victory at the Paris Olympics where he famously dunked on LeBron James, brought another layer of excitement.
Exits and Retentions
However, the Sixers also bid farewell to several players, including Tobias Harris, De'Anthony Melton, Buddy Hield, Paul Reed, Cameron Payne, and Mo Bamba. While Robert Covington remains unsigned, Nicolas Batum made a move to the Clippers, who offered him the bi-annual exception. On the retention side, K.J. Martin re-signed a two-year, $16 million deal, with the second year being non-guaranteed. Meanwhile, franchise cornerstone Joel Embiid signed a contract extension, ensuring that the league's MVP will continue to lead from the front.
Roster and Strategic Depth
Debates often arise regarding the depth and flexibility of the Sixers' current roster. One notably optimistic fan remarked, "The Sixers have depth, they have the K.J. Martin contract and they have future picks to trade, which means they do indeed have flexibility." Yet, skeptics aren't convinced, drawing comparisons to other "Big 3" lineups in the league's history. A less enthusiastic fan challenged, "Hmm, how far did the Phoenix Suns and their Big 3 get last season?" To this, the believer countered aptly, stating, "Philadelphia is not Phoenix, and this Big 3 is not that Big 3."
On paper, the Sixers indeed possess a roster capable of making a deep playoff run. The youthful dynamism of Jared McCain and Adem Bona, their latest draft picks, adds fresh blood to a lineup already teeming with talent. With seasoned veterans and young stars ready to etch their names into the annals of Sixers history, there's palpable optimism in Philadelphia.
Last Season in Retrospect
Reflecting on last season, the Sixers wrapped up their campaign with a 47-35 record. Standing at No. 15 on offense and No. 11 on defense, the team had to secure their playoff berth via a play-in game, setting the stage for a first-round showdown against the Knicks. While the season might not have gone as planned, the groundwork laid during the offseason offers a glimmer of hope for a better outcome this year.
As the new season approaches, the team seems well-positioned, blending youth and experience with a roster that checks several boxes for depth and flexibility. The puzzle now lies in executing this potential on the court. Philadelphia fans have every reason to be excited about what lies ahead.