This season was all about the arrival of Paul George and whether the 76ers could finally get past the second round of the NBA Playoffs in the Joel Embiid era.
How did it go?
George missed half the season while Embiid only played 19 games. Of course, expectations had to change with those two out of action.
All is not lost, though. They have a few players who could change their fortunes right away.
McCain is Able
A player that Philadelphia’s fans missed was Jared McCain. The rookie was a capable scorer but only played 23 games before having knee surgery to end his season. He started slow at first but improved drastically. McCain even scored 20 or more points in seven consecutive games back in November.
Jared McCain got a single third place vote for Rookie of the Year despite playing 23 games. pic.twitter.com/jybw16omhI
— Harrison Grimm (@Harrison_Grimm) April 29, 2025
Grimes’ Scene
Sometimes, all you need is a scenery change or a new opportunity. That is what happened to Quentin Grimes after arriving in Philadelphia; the results were amazing. Grimes was good enough to score 20 points per game. He would sometimes add around five rebounds and around five assists for an “all-around” performance.
Maxey-mum Effort
We have to be excited about Tyrese Maxey. He led the team in points per game, and it was a common sight to see him score 30 or 40 on any given night. Fans should worry that other teams will start going after him. Will his name come up in trade talks?
Prodigal Son
One of the “feel-good” stories the NBA witnessed last season was the return of Guerschon Yabusele. The former Boston Celtic was away for five years until he showed us what he could do during the Olympics. With his impressive play, it was only a matter of time until some team would lure him back to the NBA.
Memorable Wins
There was a win against the Golden State Warriors where Grimes had 44 points, and a win over the Los Angeles Lakers in which Maxey had 43. Other notable wins came against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics. Beating some of the top teams gave us a little glimpse of what this 76ers squad could do.
Former University of Houston star Quentin Grimes gets the ABC national broadcast postgame interview, Joel Embid love and Tyrese Maxey water shower for leading 76ers to an improbable win over Warriors. Grimes with a career-high 44 points, sounding like he’s back at Houston. pic.twitter.com/JzC05UNEvM
— Chris Baldwin (@ChrisYBaldwin) March 2, 2025
Main Image Credit:
APRIL 14: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers directs the Sixers offense against the Brooklyn Nets in their final game of the 2023-24 regular season. The Sixers won 107-86. (Image via NBA.com / Philadelphia 76ers)
