The Philadelphia 76ers are experiencing a transformative season, marking a departure from their previous reliance on star player Joel Embiid. Historically plagued by injuries, Embiid’s struggles have often left the team in a cycle of uncertainty following seasons that ended without a championship. Following a disappointing 24-58 record in the 2024-25 season, where Embiid managed to play only 19 games, the 2025 campaign is offering fans a promising outlook.
This season has already showcased the talents of rising stars like Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe. Maxey has been exceptional, currently ranking second in the league with an impressive average of 33.2 points per game, along with about eight assists and more than four three-pointers per game. Meanwhile, Edgecombe made an explosive entrance into the NBA, scoring 34 points in his debut against the Celtics and maintaining an average of 16 points per game while leading all rookies in assists and steals.
Together, these two guards have established the foundation of the Sixers’ offensive strategy, enabling the team to rank among the top scorers in the league, tied with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the fourth-most points per game. However, concerns linger about the sustainability of their high-level play, especially as both players are logging nearly 40 minutes on the court each night and contributing to over a third of the team’s shots. Their performance is expected to adjust as Embiid, alongside injury-prone forward Paul George, returns to the lineup and regains full strength.
What sets this 76ers team apart from previous iterations that aimed to support Embiid is its significantly younger and more versatile roster. Unlike past attempts with established stars such as Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler, and James Harden, the current lineup features a blend of youthful energy and potential. Maxey is in a prime developmental stage, while Edgecombe is just beginning his professional journey. Additionally, Jared McCain is making his return after recovering from a knee injury that limited his rookie season.
The roster also includes promising talents like Quentin Grimes and Adem Bona, providing a fresh depth to the team that has not been seen since the early days of the “Trust the Process” era. This infusion of youth not only excites fans but also raises the hope that the team can thrive even if their veteran stars face health challenges moving forward.
As the season progresses, the success of the 76ers will largely hinge on the performance of Embiid and George, particularly in the postseason. With both players on the downside of their careers and grappling with a history of injuries, the spotlight may soon shift to the younger players. Maxey, along with Edgecombe and McCain, has already begun to demonstrate signs of elite capability.
The emergence of this new generation of 76ers, with Maxey potentially leading the charge, heralds an exciting future for the franchise. The team has the opportunity not only to reshape its identity but to redefine what it means to succeed in Philadelphia basketball. As the season unfolds, fans are left hopeful that this might signal the dawn of a new era for the 76ers, one that embraces the talents of youth while navigating the legacies of their veteran stars.