Tyrese Maxey said Philadelphia had nowhere to go but up after injuries and inconsistency dragged the 76ers to a 24-58 season.
The Sixers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Maxey, Joel Embiid and Paul George shared the court in only 15 games.
Injuries overwhelm Philadelphia’s season
Embiid played 19 games before persistent trouble in his left knee ended his season. Maxey broke a finger and did not play after 3 March.
George appeared 41 times in the first year of a four-year contract worth more than $200 million. He averaged 16.2 points, his lowest full-season mark since his second year in the league, before treatment on his groin and knee ended his campaign.
“I think we all need a mental break,” Maxey said after the final game.
George expects a stronger second season
George said relocation, injuries and concern for his California home during the wildfires had weighed on him.
“Going into next year, I’m going to be free from a lot of those,” he said. “I do expect a better season. I do expect a better turnaround for myself, for this team.&
Morey accepts blame and promises changes
President of basketball operations Daryl Morey confirmed that he and coach Nick Nurse would return.
Morey admitted he had relied too heavily on veteran playoff experience and had not placed enough value on winning regular-season games. He promised a younger, more athletic roster around a healthy Embiid, Maxey and George.
Philadelphia also entered the draft lottery with a protected first-round pick. Health remained the largest variable, but the front office accepted that the supporting roster needed to change as well.
