The Philadelphia 76ers underwent significant transformations last season, marked by a major coaching change and the acquisition of several players on minimum contracts. This reconfiguration impacted the team in various ways, culminating in a rollercoaster of a season that saw big names move, new faces come in, and strategic decisions shaping the roster.
The Harden Trade and Its Ripple Effects
James Harden opted into his contract only to subsequently request a trade, which left the team in a precarious position until the last day of October. This move created a sense of uncertainty, but it also opened up new opportunities for the Sixers to fine-tune their lineup.
The Harden trade allowed the Sixers to make several key acquisitions and decisions over the summer. While Philadelphia extended a maximum contract offer to Paul George, he ultimately chose to remain with the Clippers. Despite this, the Sixers were not left empty-handed.
Strategic Signings and Re-signings
Young star Tyrese Maxey agreed to a maximum contract on the first day of free agency, ensuring that a cornerstone of the franchise remained secure. Free-agent moves saw the Sixers re-sign Kelly Oubre Jr. on the room midlevel exception, and veteran Kyle Lowry came aboard on a minimum contract. To shore up their cap space, the Sixers also secured Andre Drummond and Caleb Martin.
Philadelphia didn’t stop there; they added seasoned players like Eric Gordon and Reggie Jackson on minimum deals, further bolstering their depth. Another new face, Guerschon Yabusele, made his way onto the team, adding an additional layer of talent and versatility.
While these moves were strategic, the Sixers bid farewell to several key players, including Tobias Harris, De'Anthony Melton, Buddy Hield, Paul Reed, Cameron Payne, and Mo Bamba. Veteran Robert Covington remains unsigned, and Nicolas Batum took the bi-annual exception to join the Clippers. The shakeup continued as K.J. Martin re-signed a two-year, $16 million deal, with the second year being non-guaranteed.
Securing the Core
Philadelphia ensured that its linchpin, Joel Embiid, would remain with the team by signing him to a contract extension. Additionally, the Sixers' latest draft picks, Jared McCain and Adem Bona, show promise in supporting roles for the upcoming season.
Season Recap
The Sixers wrapped up their tumultuous season with a respectable 47-35 record. They finished ranked No. 15 on offense and No. 11 on defense, showcasing a balanced team effort that ultimately secured their playoff berth via a play-in game. This positioned them for a first-round showdown against the Knicks.
The upcoming season brings both hope and skepticism among the fanbase. One enthusiastic supporter noted, "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." On the other hand, some fans remain cautiously optimistic, drawing parallels with other teams. "Hmm, how far did the Phoenix Suns and their Big 3 get last season?" asked a less enthusiastic fan. However, those who believe in this revamped 76ers lineup are quick to counter. "Philadelphia is not Phoenix, and this Big 3 is not that Big 3," insisted one staunch advocate.
With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talent, the Sixers are poised to tackle the new season with renewed energy and a refreshed game plan. Whatever challenges lie ahead, the team’s recent strategic moves have set them up for a potentially exciting year in the NBA landscape.