“If healthy” is a phrase that Philadelphia 76ers fans have grown exhausted of hearing. Repeatedly, Philadelphia’s championship hopes have been squashed by unforeseen injuries, and optimism is at an all-time low. Paul George tried to lift the spirits of a fandom in peril, but his attempt may have fallen on deaf ears.
George is confident in the 76ers
Famous streamer IShowSpeed visited Philadelphia today and had a few adventures, one of which was connecting with George. Speed asked George how the 76ers are shaping up ahead of the 2025-26 season, and George’s reply gave fans reason to regain hope.
"We look good," George said. "We look straight, we’re healthy."
While it’s great to see George confident in the 76ers, fans should take it with a grain of salt, considering the chaotic events of last year.
The 76ers went through it
From top to bottom, Philadelphia’s roster was derailed by injuries last season. Its once-prized star trio of George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey rarely saw the floor together. Embiid and George were in and out of the lineup seemingly on a week-to-week basis. The 76ers couldn’t gain chemistry and were primarily kept at arm’s distance by the Chicago Bulls for a Play-In Tournament berth.
Eventually, Philadelphia gave in to a tank and finished the year with a 24-58 record – its worst since 2016-17. This was arguably the most disappointing season in franchise history.
Embiid was limited to 19 games as he dealt with left knee issues until he was shut down on February 28th to undergo an arthroscopic procedure. Originally, the 76ers strictly load-managed him so he could be healthy for the postseason. However, Philadelphia didn’t give a clear reason for why Embiid was frequently sidelined, which enraged the fanbase
George played 41 contests and was put on ice on March 17th after receiving injections in his left adductor muscle and knee. He dealt with various nagging injuries throughout the year, which prevented him from being the all-star caliber talent the 76ers needed to keep their season afloat.
Jared McCain’s dominant rookie showing was put to a halt after suffering a torn left meniscus in Philadelphia’s 121-107 loss to the Indiana Pacers on December 13th. He averaged 15.3 points per game on 58.9% true-shooting in just 23 contests.
The 76ers need to prove it
Now, the 76ers are heading into what could be a make-or-break season.
Embiid and George’s statuses for training camp are unknown amidst their recoveries from arthroscopic surgeries. McCain told Ky Carlin of Sixers Wire that he’s on pace to participate in camp, but nothing is set in stone.
George’s comments are a sight for sore eyes, but the 76ers must prove they can stay healthy, and if so, that they are a force to be reckoned with.