Everything to know for the Sixers start to the season (Week 1)

Philly's New Big Three and Revamped Roster; As Well As a Look Into This Seasons First Couple of Games

Corey Chmara


This past off-season the 76ers signed nine-time all star Paul George to a four-year, $212 million contract in free agency. Last season George averaged 22.6 ppg through 74 games which was his highest game total in his five year stint with the Los Angeles Clippers. George provides something that the Sixers have been lacking for quite awhile; consistent scoring from the forward position. Bringing him to Philly to pair alongside former MVP Joel Embiid and surging superstar Tyrese Maxey was exactly

what this franchise needed.

Cory Sharber/WHYY

Each of (Embiid, Maxey, and George’s) games all compliment the other and with that, others will also feed off of their soon to be, extremely fluid offense. We know that Joel Embiid can score, as he’d averaged over 30 ppg each of the last three seasons. Tyrese Maxey averaged 25.6 ppg last season and took home the Most Improved Player Award, an award given to a player who takes a tremendous leap during the course of the NBA season. 


With Maxey appearing to only get better, not to mention he’s bulked up quite a bit, adding Paul George to this mix should give 76ers fans hope that this is their year. Aside from signing Paul George, Philly reunited with former Sixer Andre Drummond on a two-year, $10 million contract to come in and solidify the backup center position. 


The 76ers also brought in a group of other solid pieces and proven veterans, such as Caleb Martin from the Miami Heat. Caleb Martin is known league-wide as a very important and crucial role player. Last season he averaged 10.0 ppg in 64 games with the Miami Heat. Other veterans such as Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson, and Guerschon Yabusele were also signed by the Sixers in free agency.


The Sixers also struck gold in the 2024 NBA draft, selecting G Jared McCain out of Duke with the 16th overall pick. McCain, 20, is an explosive and savvy guard who can shoot threes and move quick on his feet.


Later on in the draft, the Sixers held the 41st overall pick and selected C Adem Bona out of UCLA. Bona, 21, had an exceptional sophomore year at UCLA, averaging 12.4 ppg on 58.8% shooting. Bona is also a tremendous defender and took home the honors of winning the PAC-12 Defensive Player of the Year last season.


With half of Philly’s roster playing elsewhere last season, there is plenty to be excited about if you’re a 76ers fan. Putting this extremely talented roster in the hands of championship coach, Nick Nurse, things are looking up for Philly this season.


The 76ers start off their 2024-2025 campaign at home on Wednesday, October 23rd vs the Milwaukee Bucks at 7:30 PM EST on ESPN. The Milwaukee Bucks will most likely start the season short handed, as G/F Khris Middleton is expected to miss Wednesday's season opener with an ankle injury. 


Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports


On the other hand, the newest 76er, Paul George's status is up in the air due a hyperextended knee, an injury that he suffered in an exhibition game on October 14th vs the Atlanta Hawks. 


   

Sixers rookie guard Jared McCain also suffered a pulmonary contusion after taking a hard fall on his head in a preseason win over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, October 16th. McCain left the game with 4:01 left and was then taken to the hospital and was later discharged on Thursday after being diagnosed with a pulmonary contusion.


The injury bug has started early for the 76ers this season. With both Paul George and Jared McCain's statuses up in the air for Wednesday's season opener vs Milwaukee, the hope is that they will be ready for Friday nights game in Toronto, as the 76ers take on the Toronto Raptors.


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