📍 Philadelphia, PA — April 13, 2025
As the curtain closed on a disastrous season for the Philadelphia 76ers, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey offered fans a glimmer of hope. Despite a brutal 24-58 campaign — tied for the seventh-fewest wins in franchise history — both stars are doubling down on their belief that this roster can still compete for an NBA title.
“I think we can be a team in the future that can compete for a championship,” said George after the Sixers’ 122-102 loss to the Bulls in the regular season finale.
🔻 A Season to Forget in Philly
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Final record: 24–58
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End-of-season skid: 5–31
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Core trio games together (George, Maxey, Embiid): Just 15 (7–8 record)
George, who signed a $212 million contract last summer, appeared in only 41 games and averaged 16.2 points per game — his lowest output in over a decade.
Maxey, on the other hand, elevated his scoring to 26.3 PPG, but suffered through efficiency woes, shooting just 43.7% from the field.
As for reigning MVP Joel Embiid? A lingering knee issue limited him to just 19 games before undergoing arthroscopic surgery on Friday.
“It sucked,” Maxey said. “You could tell [Joel] couldn’t be himself.”
🧠 Stars Set Tone for Offseason: “Start Now”
Both George and Maxey stressed the importance of getting an early start on rebuilding the team’s identity.
“The names on paper look nice… but the work has to be put in from day one,” said Maxey.
“We were just in a scramble all year,” added George. “No consistency.”
🎯 Key to 2025-26: Health + Draft Luck
Philadelphia’s top-6 protected draft pick could be a game-changer. If it lands inside the range, they’ll retain it — keeping them in the running for elite prospects like Cooper Flagg.
General manager Daryl Morey and head coach Nick Nurse now face a pivotal offseason — one that could determine whether the Sixers return to contention or slide deeper into irrelevance.
“I think with the personnel we have… we can compete,” said George.
Maxey closed out the season with a firm message for fans and the locker room alike:
“The sky’s the limit… but it has to be taken seriously.”
🔮 What’s Next for the Sixers?
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Embiid’s recovery will define the team’s ceiling
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George must rediscover All-Star form
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Maxey’s leadership role is growing
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The lottery will shape the rebuild
