4 Bold predictions for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2024-25

Following an immensely eventful offseason, expectations will be much higher for the Philadelphia 76ers next season. The team has already been pegged as a top team in the East with just Joel Embiid and Tyrese, but by adding Paul George, fans and pundits alike expect them to truly contend for the championship.

The league is currently in its longest idle phase, but it won’t take rocket science to pinpoint the ceiling of this new-look 76ers squad. That being said, amid growing parity in the NBA, can they separate themselves from the pack? Here are four, bold predictions for Philadelphia in the 2024-25 season.

4. Paul George will flirt with the 50-40-90 club but average under 20 points for the 76ers

Last season, George turned in a career-high in three-point shooting percentage, draining 41.3 percent of his attempts from rainbow country. He also canned 47.1 percent of his field goal attempts, another personal best for the nine-time All-Star. Not enough? To add, he sunk 90.7 percent of his free throws, and as you might have guessed by now, that’s also a career-best mark.

Expect that to continue next season. With opposing defenses constantly swarming and denying Embiid in the post and playing tag with Maxey, George would be the recipient of so many open looks from his pet spots beyond the arc and in the elbows. His volume and efficient shooting would be a refreshing addition to a 76ers offense that seemed too monotonous at times.

However, playing as a de facto third fiddle, George could end up averaging south of 20 points per game unless his co-stars miss significant time due to injury and his shot attempts go up by necessity. Still, he should warrant serious All-Star consideration even with a reduced role thanks to his high-end, three-and-D skill.