After starting the season by winning four straight games, the Philadelphia 76ers have achieved a 9-8 record. Philadelphia has lost six of its last ten games a brutal injury trajectorybut there is still a lot to be grateful for.
The 76ers fandom should cherish Tyrese Maxey’s Most Valuable Player award candidacy, their backfield depth and their draft capital on Thanksgiving. The initial hype surrounding Philadelphia may have waned with its recent struggles, but such developments have given fans a reason to stay invested.
Maxey on a mission
After last season’s 24 wins, Maxey infamously said at Media Day that the 76ers needed a standard going into the new year. Two months later, the 25-year-old has taken it upon himself to change the team’s culture.
Maxey is averaging 32.2 points per game, 7.5 assists and 4.4 rebounds in 17 games this season. Just when fans thought the former all-star was nearing his peak, he took his game to another level. His shot creation has only anchored Philadelphia’s offense, with Joel Embiid, Paul George and Jared McCain still unable to contribute consistently.
The 76ers’ scoring dives when Maxey is off the floor, similar to Embiid’s situation during his prime. Philadelphia scores 107.4 points per 100 possessions when Maxey isn’t playing, giving it the third-worst offensive rating in the NBA. While the 76ers may be a mid-tier team right now, many comparable teams aren’t fortunate enough to have a player of Maxey’s caliber.
The security depth is displayed
While Philadelphia’s tandem of Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Quentin Grimes and Jared McCain have yet to collectively succeed, each has had their own moments to shine.
Edgecombe took the NBA by storm, scoring 34 points in the 76ers’ season opener against the Boston Celtics. His intense approach, athleticism and two-way impact have already won over the fan base, regardless of his highs and lows as a rookie. He is averaging 15.6 points and 4.2 assists this season and is emerging as a Rookie of the Year candidate.
Grimes immediately put himself and Philadelphia’s free agency negotiations in the rearview mirror after accepting his qualifying offer on October 1. Since signing on the dotted line, the guard has provided a critical spark off the bench, tallying 16.2 points and 4.1 assists. Grimes’ score guarantees him a place in the Sixth Man of the Year award conversation.
It took McCain five games to record his first score of the year, but he started to build a rhythm. He has 15 points in his last two games, making him quicker off the dribble and more comfortable as a shooter. The guard is on track to return to form and become one of the 76ers’ most critical players.
The future could be brighter
If fans are understandably pessimistic about Philadelphia’s prospects this season, there’s reason to look further ahead. The 76ers own the Los Angeles Clippers’ unprotected 2028 first-round pick as part of the James Harden trade that took place on November 1, 2023.
Given Philadelphia’s uncertain future with Embiid and George, future draft picks could be key in extending the timeline. Not to mention that Los Angeles is 5-13 this season and only has one player under contract beyond the 2027-2028 season.
Finally, I’m breaking the fourth wall to thank all of you who have read an article of mine or engaged with my content. I look forward to covering the rest of the 76ers season and experiencing it with all of you; Happy Thanksgiving!
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