Over the past few years in the Joel Embiid era of the Philadelphia 76ers, the storied franchise has been among the best teams in the league but hasn’t been able to get over the hump once they are competing in the NBA playoffs.
Despite being an incredibly talented team with Embiid and up-and-comer Tyrese Maxey leading the way, Philadelphia has been outplayed in the postseason by better teams in the Eastern Conference.
With the 76ers clearly missing something and having the potential to be in a championship window, the team’s brass got aggressive in NBA free agency as expected and landed one of the best players available by getting veteran forward Paul George to sign on the dotted line.
Now that George is in the fold in Philadelphia, the consensus around the league seems to be that Philadelphia will be a legitimate title contender in the East this upcoming season with one of the most intimidating star trios in the NBA.
During media day for the 76ers, George let it be known that he thinks his new team is among the top three teams in the East right out of the gate, with Embiid being the x-factor in the paint.
“I think we’re top 3 for sure in the East,” George said. “I still don’t think there’s anyone that can guard Joel Embiid.”
Paul George:
“I think we’re top 3 for sure in the East”
“I still don’t think there’s anyone that can guard Joel Embiid” pic.twitter.com/udMpQOCYJq
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) September 30, 2024
As long as Embiid and George can stay healthy, which is something both stars have struggled with over the years, the 76ers should be a force to be reckoned with in the East, as they’ll be one of the most talented teams in the league on both ends of the basketball floor.
If all goes well over the course of the regular season, Philadelphia will be a team to watch in the East, as perhaps the biggest threat to the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics.
