The Philadelphia 76ers are facing a crisis early into their 2024-25 season. After their loss to the Miami Heat, the team finds itself with an alarming 11 losses in 13 games. This disappointing performance has raised questions about the Sixers’ offseason acquisitions, particularly the addition of Paul George. Despite the hype surrounding this move, the team’s lackluster showings have left fans and analysts alike wondering what’s going wrong.
Joel Embiid, the cornerstone of the franchise, had his own thoughts after the latest defeat. Following a game where he scored just 11 points, a noticeably passive performance, Embiid expressed frustration with his team’s start to the season.
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Why Are the 76ers Struggling This Season?
The struggles are not just about Joel Embiid’s underwhelming performances. While the Cameroonian star has averaged over 30 points per game in each of the last three seasons, a combination of injuries and team dynamics has hindered his ability to lead the 76ers effectively.
In particular, the team’s three main enforcers—Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George—have yet to play a single game together. Maxey, who has been the team’s most consistent scorer, is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury. On the other hand, George has embraced a role as a playmaker and a third offensive option, but even his added playmaking responsibilities haven’t been enough to turn things around.
How Have Injuries Impacted the 76ers?
Injuries have undoubtedly played a significant role in the 76ers’ struggles. Maxey’s absence has left the team without its most explosive scorer, while Embiid is still recovering from a knee issue that’s limiting his ability to dominate.
Despite these challenges, the 76ers have had moments of promise. Defensively, they’re still one of the best in the league. They rank third in turnovers forced, and their opponents’ scoring is relatively contained. However, when it comes to offense, the team is in a state of disarray.
Joel Embiid’s Frustration and Self-Reflection
After the loss to Miami, Embiid admitted that his attempts to involve his teammates had not worked out as planned. His desire to empower the newer players on the roster—many of whom are still adjusting to the system—has led to a more passive approach on the court.
“I really want to empower all of our guys to succeed, but this is a learning experience for me and for us because we have a lot of new guys,” Embiid said. “But we’ve got that record, and something needs to be done about it.”
In that loss to the Heat, Embiid only managed 11 points and shockingly didn’t attempt a single free throw. This lack of aggression highlights a critical need for Embiid to rediscover his dominant self on offense. The team relies on him more than ever to turn the season around, and he knows it.
Why Joel Embiid Needs to Step Up His Game
For the 76ers to succeed, Embiid needs to be the force that fans know him to be. With Maxey sidelined, the team has been missing a reliable secondary scorer. If Embiid can become more aggressive on the offensive end, it would create better opportunities for others.
While the injury concerns are understandable, the Sixers cannot afford to wait for a perfect health report. Without Embiid’s usual offensive output, they cannot contend for wins, let alone chase their ultimate goal of winning a championship.
Joel Embiid says he may need to be more aggressive: “I really want to empower all of our guys to succeed, but this is a learning experience for me and for us because we have a lot of new guys. … But we’ve got that record and something needs to be done about it.”
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) November 19, 2024
How Can the 76ers Fix Their Offense?
One of the main reasons for the 76ers’ underperformance this season is their lack of offensive cohesion. They have struggled with ball movement, ranking dead last in the NBA for team assists per game at 21.2. The absence of a floor general, especially with Maxey out, has left them unable to create open shots or maintain rhythm on offense.
While Paul George has filled in as a playmaker, he’s still learning his new role on the team, and his 5 assists per game aren’t enough to ignite a consistent offense. The team’s assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.46 is the third-worst in the league, signaling a significant problem in their ball control.
Will Tyrese Maxey’s Return Help the 76ers?
A silver lining for the 76ers is the imminent return of Tyrese Maxey. According to Maxey, he’s recovering quicker than expected.
“I feel great. I feel really good, man. Got a chance to move around on the court a little bit the last couple of days. I’m moving faster, and I feel a lot more confident. I should be out there sooner than later,” said the 24-year-old.
Maxey’s return will provide the 76ers with much-needed scoring and ball-handling ability. His presence alongside Embiid and George could finally give the team the dynamic offensive trio they’ve been missing.
Can the 76ers Turn Their Season Around?
Despite the struggles, there is still hope for the Philadelphia 76ers. Their defense is solid, and the return of Maxey could provide a much-needed spark to their offense. However, Joel Embiid must find a way to be more aggressive and assertive on the court. Without his dominance, the 76ers will continue to face an uphill battle.
FAQ Section
Q: What’s going wrong with the 76ers this season?
The 76ers are struggling due to a combination of injuries, lack of offensive chemistry, and Joel Embiid’s underperformance. Maxey is out with a hamstring injury, and Embiid has been less aggressive than usual due to injury recovery and team dynamics.
Q: How can the 76ers fix their offense?
The team needs better ball movement and a clearer role for Paul George as a playmaker. Once Tyrese Maxey returns, the offense should see a boost, especially with Maxey’s scoring and ball-handling ability.
Q: Will Joel Embiid’s passiveness hurt the 76ers?
Yes, Embiid’s passiveness, especially in the loss to the Heat, is a concern. For the 76ers to succeed, he needs to regain his usual aggressive style of play to lead the team offensively.
Q: When will Tyrese Maxey return to play?
Maxey has reported feeling better and moving more confidently on the court. His return is expected soon, which should help stabilize the offense.
