After starting the season winning four consecutive games, the Philadelphia 76ers have settled into a 9-8 record. Philadelphia lost six of its last 10 contests amidst an unforgiving injury stretch, but it still has much to be thankful for.
The 76ers fandom should cherish Tyrese Maxey’s Most Valuable Player award candidacy, their back-court depth and draft capital on Thanksgiving. The initial hype surrounding Philadelphia may’ve died down with its recent struggles, but such developments have given fans a reason to remain invested.
Maxey on a mission
Following last season’s 24-win finish, Maxey infamously said on Media Day that the 76ers needed a standard entering the new year. Fast forward two months, and the 25-year-old has taken it upon himself to shift the team’s culture.
Maxey is averaging career-highs of 32.2 points per game, 7.5 assists and 4.4 rebounds through 17 contests this season. Just when fans thought the one-time all-star neared his apex, he took his game to another level. His shot creation has solely anchored Philadelphia’s offense with Joel Embiid, Paul George and Jared McCain yet to contribute consistently.
The 76ers’ scoring nosedives when Maxey is off the floor, similar to Embiid’s situation during his prime. Philadelphia scores 107.4 points per 100 possessions when Maxey isn’t playing, which gives it the third-worst offensive rating in the NBA. While the 76ers may be a middle-of-the-road team as of now, many similar teams aren’t fortunate enough to have a player of Maxey’s caliber.
The guard depth is on display
Although Philadelphia’s tandem of Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Quentin Grimes and Jared McCain are yet to collectively succeed, each has had their own respective moments to shine.
Edgecombe took the NBA by storm, scoring 34 points in the 76ers’ season-opening win against the Boston Celtics. His intense approach, athleticism and two-way impact have already won the fanbase over, regardless of his navigating rookie highs and lows. He is averaging 15.6 points and 4.2 assists this season, surfacing as a Rookie of the Year candidate.
Grimes promptly put himself and Philadelphia’s free-agency negotiations in the rearview mirror after accepting his qualifying offer on October 1st. Ever since he signed on the dotted line, the guard has provided a critical spark off the bench, totaling 16.2 points and 4.1 assists. Grimes’ scoring warrants him a place in the Sixth Man of the Year award conversation.
It took five games for McCain to record his first score of the year, but he has begun to establish a rhythm. He reached 15 points in his last two games, appearing shifter off the dribble and more comfortable as a shooter. The guard is on pace to return to form and become one of the 76ers’ most critical players.
The future could be brighter
If fans are understandably pessimistic about Philadelphia’s outlook this season, there is reason to look further ahead. The 76ers own the Los Angeles Clippers’ unprotected 2028 first-round pick as part of the James Harden trade that occurred on November 1st, 2023.
Given Philadelphia’s uncertain future with Embiid and George, the future draft selection could be pivotal in extending its timeline. Not to mention, Los Angeles is 5-13 on the season and only has one player under contract after the 2027-28 season.
To conclude, I’m breaking the fourth wall to thank all of you who’ve read an article of mine or engaged with any of my content. I look forward to covering the rest of the 76ers’ season and experiencing it with you all; have a great Thanksgiving!