The Philadelphia 76ers are most likely going to turn in a better win-loss card next season, but only because their record could not possibly get any worse than it was in their previous campaign. Even just an inkling of better luck in the health department would be enough for this squad to register six to eight wins, although that, of course, will not nearly be enough to even qualify for the play-in tournament.
Fortunately for them, the East is widely believed to be taking a step back in the 2025-26 season, thanks in large part to a couple of the best teams in the conference all but projected to miss their respective players for the entire year due to Achilles tears. As a result, the lane is expected to be more open for the 76ers to make a grand march back to the playoffs.
However, expecting that short-term projection for the Eastern Conference would be outright foolish. The teams alluded to a while ago, Boston and Indiana, have competent cores and front offices that they should be back in the thick of things soon. But it seems like those franchise are not the only ones looking to have more staying power at the winner’s circle.
Not to be forgotten, Milwaukee has also made a slew of moves this offseason. While they parted with Damian Lillard, an argument could be made that they actually became better after retooling around the edges. But most importantly, they might have just secured Giannis Antetokounmpo for the near future.
76ers face stiffer competition in the East with Giannis Antetokounmpo now likely to stay put
Giannis recently went to an event where he talked about shortening his autograph, apparently to play 15 to 20 years. When a fan yelled “All in Milwaukee!”, the megastar came out with an affirmative response, playfully answering “All in Milwaukee, baby.”
The Greek Freak sweepstakes was somewhat short-lived this offseason. Initially thought to be a defining bidding war this year, it eventually closed itself as rumors quickly pointed out that the Bucks are not really making him available to teams via trade.
Despite what all the noise says, Antetokounmpo is likely going to remain with the Bucks for a long time, and that is definitely something that the 76ers may not like. After all, there was previously a cance for him to head out West, but that is all but a nil proposition at this very juncture.
The Philadelphia 76ers will have to brace themselves for a long stretch of facing Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. They should not be ducking that challenge, but in all reality, the 2021 NBA champions will get on their way every single season.