The Philadelphia 76ers are preparing for the 2024-25 NBA season with hopes to overcome a difficult previous year marked by injuries, finishing 13th in the Eastern Conference with a 24-58 record. Central to their struggles and future plans is the uncertainty surrounding Paul George’s recovery, raising questions about the team’s ability to make a strong playoff push.
Last offseason, the Sixers bolstered their lineup by signing Paul George to a four-year, $211.6 million contract, aiming to build an imposing trio alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Expectations were high that this core, supported by a deep roster, would power a significant playoff run. However, the three stars combined played only 112 games due to injuries, severely limiting the team’s performance.
Injury Setbacks Plague Core and Supporting Players
Beyond the trio, the Sixers’ plight was compounded by injuries to other important players, including Jared McCain, Kyle Lowry, and Eric Gordon, who each missed notable time. As the team looks toward regaining full health, the persistent injury issues with both Embiid and Paul George cast a long shadow, fostering cautious optimism among fans and analysts.
NBA analyst Zach Harper highlighted the precarious situation around George’s future availability. He explained,
“George had surgery on his left knee last month and will be re-evaluated before training camp. That doesn’t mean he’ll be back,”
—Zach Harper, NBA analyst.
Harper urged a tempered outlook, emphasizing the need to manage expectations:
“It’s better to assume the worst and hope for the best than to assume the best or even just solid news.”
—Zach Harper, NBA analyst. George’s injury history has been an ongoing concern; over the last six seasons, he has appeared in just 304 games, averaging just over 50 games a year.
Persistent Playoff Frustrations Despite Star Performances
Since 2001, the 76ers have struggled to advance beyond the second round of the playoffs, a disappointing trend given the talent on their roster. Joel Embiid has been a dominant force during his time, but the team has yet to translate his performances into deep postseason success. The Eastern Conference’s competitive yet open landscape this year presents an opportunity—provided the Sixers remain healthy—to break the cycle.
Embiid himself faces ongoing injury concerns, particularly with his left knee, which has limited him to 58 games in the past two regular seasons. Although he resumed basketball activities in mid-July, the team has remained tight-lipped regarding his readiness as training camp nears, leaving his status uncertain.
Uncertain Road Ahead Hinges on Health and Depth
As the Sixers look forward, Paul George’s availability remains unclear following his recent arthroscopic knee surgery, with final clearance expected only after pre-season evaluations. Despite possessing a talented roster on paper, Philadelphia’s durability is the most critical factor in determining their postseason hopes.
If the Sixers can avoid further injury setbacks and their star players return at full strength, they could finally challenge for a deeper playoff run. Conversely, ongoing health problems risk prolonging the team’s postseason struggles, intensifying the pressure on the organization and its leaders.
Fans and commentators remain anxiously observant as the 76ers enter the new season, eager to see whether resilience will override their injury woes and if the Paul George Sixers playoff uncertainty can be resolved in pursuit of redemption.