A New Addition
There are some people still skeptical of the 76ers’ offseason moves, but if–and that is a big if–this team can stay healthy, there is no reason why the Sixers can’t contend for an NBA title.
One of the biggest reasons for optimism is the signing of Paul George to a four-year, $212 million max contract with the Sixers.
George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey rank among the top trios of the NBA.
Should the Sixers be favored to overtake Boston in the Eastern Conference?
Not yet, especially with the Celtics returning their championship team virtually intact.
Teams like the New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers expect to be threats in the Eastern Conference.
The Sixers have earned playoff berths in seven consecutive seasons, but have not gotten past the second round during this span.
Still, the Sixers have the potential to field their best team in the Embiid era.
And a major reason is the addition of George.
There are so many positives and of course, some perceived negatives with the addition of George. Here is a look at both:
Negatives
*George is 34-years-old and is entering his 15th NBA season. That is a lot of mileage. There have been some durability issues, although this past season he appeared in 74 games, the most since playing in 77 games in 2018-19 with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
*While being a top defensive player, there has been some slippage. His last appearance on the NBA All-Defensive team was 2019 when he was a first-team choice. Still, the 6-8, 220-pound George is a solid frontcourt defender.
*Statistically, George hasn’t played as well in the postseason as the regular season. In the playoffs, he is shooting .352 from three-point range and .411 from the field. His regular season numbers - .385 from three-point range and .440 from the field. From the foul line he is .826 in the playoffs and .854 from the regular season. It should be noted that his playoff average (21.2 ppg.) is slightly better than his regular season average (20.8).
Positives
*While not an All-NBA defender, he is still capable and don’t be surprised, especially in crunch time if he will likely defend the opposing team’s top scoring forward.
*Even though George hasn’t won an NBA title, he has been to the conference finals three times. He has appeared in 114 playoff games and that experience is invaluable.
*He is still playing at an All-Star level, having been named a Western Conference All-Star each of the past two seasons and three of the last four.
*George should be even more effective, especially since he doesn’t have to be the top scorer or even the second leading scorer, but is capable of either. With double-teaming of Embiid and Maxey’s ability to blow by defenders and forcing weak side help, George should get more open looks than ever.
*He has always been a good leader and that shouldn’t change. Even though Embiid is entering his 10th season and Maxey his fifth, the Sixers can always use more veteran leadership, especially with somebody like George’s postseason experience.
The bottom line is that the Sixers should be a more complete and a better team. Injuries will eventually likely determine how far the Sixers can go, but the addition of George should bring plenty of optimism to the Sixers.
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Author: Marc Narducci
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