Offseason Report Card: Grading the Philadelphia 76ers this summer

As the calendar turns to August and the dust continues to settle around the NBA, there is still plenty to talk about regarding the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason. Which acquisitions help the team the most? Which moves fill the biggest holes in the roster from a season ago? How will each new player mesh with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey? While there are now more solid answers to these questions, we can now give a preseason evaluation of the team’s offseason as a whole. 

What is a fair grade for the 76ers this offseason?

Daryl Morey and the 76ers should be absolutely thrilled with the offseason they’ve had reconstructing their roster around Embiid and Maxey. They pulled off moves this summer that increased their chances to compete with the best of the best in the Eastern Conference. 

Here are the two primary reasons why the 76ers are every bit deserving of a lofty rating on their offseason report card.

1. The Paul George signing is worth the hype

The 76ers were able to land the biggest name in NBA Free Agency. Paul George becoming a Sixer gives this team a third star and his presence alone increases the team’s floor, ceiling, and chances of reaching their lofty goals.

George brings something Philadelphia hasn’t had since Jimmy Butler. Saying goodbye to Tobias Harris and welcoming George into the fold is a much-needed move and massive upgrade that the franchise was able to pull off, potentially altering the landscape in the league.

2. The 76ers managed to bring in high-quality depth even with the Paul George deal

Before NBA Free Agency began, there seemed to be two different camps divided on what the 76ers should do. There were those who were all-in on acquiring a star player with a max contract, and there were those who were more interested in spreading the wealth and bringing in several high-quality role players to surround Embiid and Maxey with.

With hindsight now being 20/20, one can logically come to the place that recognizes that the 76ers were able to accomplish both of these scenarios. While many thought it was either one or the other, it turned out to be both.

Along with Paul George, Philly brought in Kelly Oubre Jr., Caleb Martin, and Andre Drummond, all of which likely could’ve received more money playing elsewhere. They also brought in Reggie Jackson and Kyle Lowry on veteran minimum deals and Eric Gordon on a two-year contract. Did the 76ers bring in a star? Yes. Did they bolster their depth around their stars? Yes.

Grade: A

Philadelphia entered NBA Free Agency like many other teams, with more questions than answers. Now, on paper, they seem poised to make a run at an NBA Championship along with the other top teams in the league.