With each passing year, the narrative around the Philadelphia 76ers has become rather monotonous and repetitive. Without any kind of reservations, fans and pundits alike have been in unison in branding this team as a regular season merchant (well, not counting their most recent campaign). Despite having one of the league’s most loaded rosters every year since 2017, success in the postseason has simply been too elusive for them.
Next season, the 76ers should have a prime chance to break away from that unenviable reputation. The Eastern Conference already lost a couple of bona fide title contenders before the first whistle, and Philly will parade what is arguably a better and more foolproof lineup than in their previous campaign.
But even if their footing at the moment seems stale, if not bleak, regular season success is not the point of contention with this squad. At full strength, and with everything constant, can the 76ers finally get over the proverbial hump?
The 76ers, in their Joel Embiid era, have never made it past the second round of the playoffs. That is perhaps the most recurring theme of criticism hurdled at the franchise since the late 2010s, And unbeknownst to many, the task of showing them the way rests on this star’s shoulders.
Paul George has to step up for the 76ers to get past the postseason hump
Embiid and Tyrese Maxey have never sniffed a Conference Finals berth, but one prominent part of the team who has is Paul George, who notably led the Indiana Pacers to back-to-back ECF appearances in 2013 and 2014.
”Playoff P” has extensive experience in the playoffs, and the 76ers will have a much higher chance to be a Conference Finalist at the very least if he can walk the talk in that regard. He has been a part of teams where he was the best player, and playing second or third fiddle should allow him to be an even better propeller for this squad to snatch meaningful success for once.
Offensively, George has to regain his elite shooting touch while also being a more willing playmaker to smoothen the team’s scoring attack. Maturity is one thing lacksing with this squad, especially in clutch situations, so it will be incumbent upon the nine-time All-Star to inject poise and composure in those moments instead of being the first one to break under pressure.
Defensiveley, while he has taken a step back, he will have to shoulder the burden of ensuring that the team remains connected on that end. As they, defense wins championships.
The Philadelphia 76ers are not going anywhere if only Embiid and Maxey turn in consistently high-level production. If they want to taste actual success in the playoffs, George has to be a catalyst, and not a mere sidekick looking to capitalize when convenient.