The last time that a member of the Philadelphia 76ers’ star trio of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George took the floor was 10 days ago. Ever since Embiid was shut down for the remainder of the season, Philadelphia has seemingly embraced the idea of tanking between lopsided losses and injury reports that contain at least five players. However, the 76ers have changed their direction so promptly that the NBA has reportedly taken notice.
Shams Charania of ESPN appeared on the Pat McAfee Show today and revealed that the NBA has launched an investigation into the 76ers that pertains to Embiid, Maxey, and George’s severe lack of ability: “I'm told the Philadelphia 76ers are another team the NBA has started an investigation on and looked into. Just based on, you've had Tyrese Maxey miss time, we know Paul George has missed time.”
Do the 76ers deserve to be investigated?
Embiid only appeared in 19 of Philadelphia’s 66 games this season as he failed to stay healthy for more than a handful of games. Last month, Charania reported that he had to regularly receive injections in his left knee to simply suit up. The 76ers are reportedly yet to find an appropriate treatment plan for Embiid, which makes this aspect of the investigation feel unwarranted.
George has missed Philadelphia’s last five games due to left groin soreness as he is also reportedly consulting with doctors on a treatment plan that could include a procedure. Maxey is also dealing with lingering injuries such as a lower back sprain and finger sprain, which has prevented him from playing in the 76ers’ last six contests.
Nick Nurse is hoping Tyrese Maxey can play on this upcoming 6-game trip. He said unlikely Sunday against Dallas, but probably after that, he’s hoping to get him back. #Sixers
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) March 15, 2025
Considering how other teams such as the Utah Jazz and the Toronto Raptors have gone to extreme lengths to rest players to lose games, the NBA’s investigation into Philadelphia shouldn't be top priority. Both Embiid and George are dealing with injuries that could require an operation, so it’s not as if the 76ers are purposely sitting them out to maximize their odds in the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery.
This isn't anything new for the 76ers
Throughout the past few years, Philadelphia has been no stranger to investigations held by the association. Earlier this season, the 76ers endured two investigations that both resulted in penalties. On October 29, 2024, Philadelphia was fined $100,000 due to comments made by Daryl Morey and Nick Nurse surrounding Embiid’s health that didn’t align with his injury status.
Four days later, the NBA conducted another investigation following the altercation between Embiid and Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes – resulting in him being suspended for three games, which was announced on November 6 last year.
With how chaotic and disappointing of a season it’s been for the 76ers, it’s easy for these two events to slip from the minds of fans. However, such actions seemed to have set the tone for Philadelphia and are part of the reason that it has its sights set on the draft lottery. Now, the 76ers have no other option, but to wait and see if the NBA forces their hand for a third time this season.