Paul George joined the Philadelphia 76ers last summer as their headline acquisition, with expectations that he would complete the roster and elevate the team into serious championship contention. Heading into the new <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA season, however, George faces intense pressure to prove his relevance, as his recent performances and the Sixers’ overall difficulties have left fans skeptical of his future impact.

Reflecting his struggles, George’s NBA 2K26 overall rating has dropped sharply to 81, aligning him with lesser-known players like Alex Sarr and Josh Hart, rather than the elite forward status he held over the past decade. This decline in rating mirrors concerns about his decreased production last season and signals that George may be entering the later stages of his career.

Impact of George’s Declining Performance on Sixers’ Championship Chances

The substantial reduction in George’s 2K26 rating highlights the diminished expectations surrounding him since his move to Philadelphia. Once considered a top-10 or top-20 player league-wide, he now must demonstrate that he remains an elite forward capable of carrying the Sixers forward. If George cannot regain his former level, the team’s aspirations for a championship this season will likely suffer.

Alongside George’s situation, the team’s success heavily depends on the return of Joel Embiid to full health, as he represents the foundation of their championship hopes.

Joel Embiid’s Injury Status Remains a Crucial Variable

Joel Embiid, the former MVP, has battled injuries over the last two years, undergoing meniscus surgery in April. His availability and performance remain uncertain but vital for the Sixers’ ambitions. Head coach Nick Nurse provided an update on Embiid’s recovery during an August 13 interview on TalkSport Radio in Manchester, emphasizing optimism about Embiid’s progress.

I know he’s working very, very hard, and I think things look good. Whether he’s ready for training camp or not, I think there’s maybe a lot more decisions than that to make before we get there. But our main thing is that he’s healthy to play and play to his best capabilities, because he’s awesome, no doubt about that.

—Nick Nurse, Philadelphia 76ers Head Coach

The Sixers have structured their roster around Embiid’s dominant play, and without him performing at his peak, their chances of contending for a title diminish significantly.

Medical Concerns Cast Doubt on Embiid’s Future MVP Potential

Despite the positive update from Nurse, doubts persist within NBA medical circles about Embiid’s ability to return to MVP form. An anonymous member of an NBA team’s medical staff shared their cautionary perspective in a recent conversation with Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, pointing to the difficulty of recovering fully after multiple surgeries on the same knee.

When you have a second surgery to attempt and fix the initial problem, and then you continue to deal with delays and more complications, that’s never a good sign,

the medical insider explained.

Few players have been able to come back from multiple surgeries and injuries to the same part of their body, which is what Joel is trying to achieve.

The medical staffer further clarified Embiid’s challenging history and remarkable perseverance.

For him specifically, his injury history and knee issues go back to when he first entered the league. To even play at the level he has to this point is remarkable. Of course, everyone wants to see him back and 100 percent healthy, as the league is better with all of its stars on the court.

—Anonymous NBA Team Medical Staff Member

Given these concerns, the Sixers face a difficult path ahead. If the team falls short again this season, general manager Daryl Morey might be compelled to consider a rebuilding process, shifting focus away from immediate contention.

For Paul George, the upcoming campaign represents a critical juncture to reaffirm his status among NBA forwards, while the health and form of Joel Embiid remain pivotal to Philadelphia’s prospects. The combination of George’s performance and Embiid’s recovery will likely determine the Sixers’ trajectory this season and beyond.