Daryl Morey and the Philadelphia 76ers have built a trio of stars that look the part of future NBA champions. Between Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia has three of the best players in the Association, all of whom are capable of turning in All-NBA campaigns in 2024-25.
If the 76ers are going to win their first championship since 1983, however, they'll need more than just their new Big Three to step up and lead the charge.
Embiid and George are among the best two-way players in the NBA, possessing the ability to score and defend at similarly elite levels. It's enabled Embiid to win an MVP award and two scoring titles, and George to reach three Conference Finals in a starring role.
Maxey, meanwhile, is emerging as a future scoring champion himself, as well as a vastly improved facilitator who has provided Philadelphia with impressive positional versatility.
No matter how well those three play, however, the 76ers aren't getting past the Boston Celtics without a well-rounded effort. Boston is at the forefront of an era that has prioritized depth and quality contributions from role players in addition to stars playing up to their potential.
The question is: Who are the three most important players on the 76ers after the Big Three themselves?
3. Kelly Oubre Jr.
The third spot came down to two players, with Eric Gordon being the other—and his postseason experience will prove essential. The reality of the Kelly Oubre Jr. situation, however, is that he has the tools to take the team over the top—or end up traded by February.
It's a harsh statement, of course, but the 76ers have no room for patience when it comes to their championship ambitions.
Oubre is a dynamic volume scorer who will be tasked with providing instant offense when members of the Big Three are off their game. He's proven capable of carrying a heavy scoring burden in the past, including a 2023-24 season during which he averaged 15.4 points in 30.2 minutes per game.
Oubre also proved ready for the pressure during the 2024 NBA Playoffs by shooting an uncharacteristically high 38.4 percent from beyond the arc—his second postseason run in three tries at 36.7 percent or better.
Expecting Oubre to score efficiently is a recipe for disappointment, as his style of play leans far closer to that of a volume shooter. If he improves his shot selection, plays strong defense, and continues to create second chances, however, he can be an incredibly valuable player.
Unfortunately, Oubre is also the most tradable player on the roster among those Philadelphia could be willing to part with if they need an in-season upgrade—meaning he'll need to step up in 2024-25.
2. Kyle Lowry
The trio of Embiid, George, and Maxey will shoulder the lion's share of the pressure as far as nightly performances and leadership are concerned. The reality facing that group, however, is that their All-NBA talent doesn't offset the reality that they've never actually won a championship in the NBA.
In case you've wondered why the 76ers are eager to see what Kyle Lowry can provide during the 2024-25 season, the answer effectively begins and ends there.
Lowry, 38, isn't going to turn back the clocks to the point that he's performing at the All-NBA level he once did. There's also a chance that he'll split playing time with the likes of Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson, and Jared McCain, who were brought in to provide depth at guard.
No matter what his general playing time looks like, however, Lowry will be turned to for leadership as the only player on the roster who has won a championship—with 76ers head coach Nick Nurse, no less.
Come the postseason, Lowry can be expected to feature heavily in Nurse's rotations. It's fair to be skeptical of what he can provide as far as production is concerned, but his numbers will pale in comparison to his overall value regardless.
The 76ers will need a calming voice on the floor and during timeouts once the playoffs roll around, and Lowry is the leader best suited to be that for them.
1. Caleb Martin
The single most important 76ers player after the Big Three is the other marquee 2024 free agency addition: Caleb Martin. Martin arrives in Philadelphia with an intriguing postseason history and the ideal skill set to complement the stars.
Beyond what he brings to the table from a skill perspective, however, is the simple fact that Martin is one of the select few players on the roster who has reached the NBA Finals.
Martin was one of the breakout players when the Miami Heat made a run to the 2023 NBA Finals. He averaged 12.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.2 offensive boards, 1.6 assists, and 1.9 three-point field goals made while posting a remarkably efficient slash line of .529/.423/.829.
Martin then shot 44.0 percent from beyond the arc during the 2024 NBA Playoffs, thus further establishing himself as a player who raises his game when it matters most.
Martin will be turned to for similar production come the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Philadelphia will play through its three-headed monster of Embiid, George, and Maxey, but Martin providing two-way value, including lights-out shooting, will be nothing short of essential.
It certainly doesn't hurt that Martin helped Miami effectively take the three-point shot away from the Boston Celtics during the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals.