So far, this season has been a pretty icky one for the Philadelphia 76ers. Heading into the campaign, expectations were sky high for the franchise, especially given how much they have invested into their new, shiny core. Coming off a string of consecutive postseason disappointments, the front office cranked their winning cause even more and crafted a roster talented enough to win it all.
Unfortunately, what had transpired is a complete reversal. The 76ers have been the biggest disappointment in the NBA this season, and as usual, their stars cannot seem to get healthy all at once. What was widely thought to be a roster capable of snapping a championship drought of more than four decades has stagnated and seems poised for another turnover.
But despite the dismay from fans and the city, the franchise remains in a good position to contend. So long as health permits — which has been admittedly elusive — there is little reason to believe that the 76ers have no shot of bringing home the Larry O’Brien trophy in the near future. Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George are still bona fide stars, and Jared McCain has quickly proven himself as a foundational piece moving forward.
76ers take next big step for the future of the franchise
Nevertheless, the city of Philadelphia is not taking any chances, recognizing the need to not only bolster the on-court product, but also the franchise’s very home. Merely months after a reported and feared exit from the city, it seems like the 76ers will now have a new arena in the coming years.
PHLY Sports’ Kyle Neubeck has reported that the proposal for a new downtown arena has now been approved via a City Council vote. The proposal passed by a 12-5 vote, clearing a major obstacle to finally effectuate the team’s overdue move.
The 76ers have already announced previously that they would not be renewing their lease of the Wells Fargo Center when their agreement expires in 2031. The hope now is for the new arena to be constructed a few years from now in time for its completion by that time.
There still seems to be a bit of divisiveness about the development owing to economic impact to locals. In fact, it wasn’t too long ago when a prominent group from the city denounced the Mayor’s agreement with the 76ers on a new complex.
For now, this step is still preliminary, but the Philadelphia 76ers have long needed a new home, and from the looks of it, it seems as if they would finally get their wish.