The Philadelphia 76ers began the season with a 5-1 record, but after losing back-to-back games, they realized they were still missing a critical piece of the team. Tyrese Maxey has continued his ascent as one of the league’s premier young guards, while Joel Embiid, though on a minutes restriction, remains a vital part of the team. Players like rookie VJ Edgecombe, Quentin Grimes, and Trendon Watford have stepped up to fill gaps, but they need Paul George to return from injury.
George was acquired to be the team’s veteran wing presence and secondary star alongside Embiid and Maxey, but has yet to suit up this season. He underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in July and was expected to debut early this month, but his return is still up in the air. George didn’t have a great season last year, as it was marred by injuries and expectations that he and the team were unable to meet. This season, the team has started great without him, but they are truly missing what he can bring to the table.
George’s absence is felt most in two areas: perimeter defense and shot creation. While Maxey provides speed and scoring, and Embiid dominates the midrange and post, George offers the kind of two-way versatility that can elevate this team. In their recent loss to the Bulls, where they blew a 20-point lead, both Maxey and Embiid struggled to score in the fourth quarter. Their two-man game or isolation opportunities just weren’t falling, and the Sixers could have used another player who could create shots for themselves or others.
They are also missing George on the defensive end, as well as another athletic player to defend wings across the league. With Embiid lacking some of the explosiveness defending the rim, perimeter players need to stay in front of their matchups more. The Sixers have a solid set of defenders with Oubre Jr., Grimes, Edgecombe, and Maxey, but face matchup problems when they have players like Jabari Walker and Dominick Barlow guarding players like Jaylen Brown.
To their credit, the Sixers have managed well in George’s absence, but the minutes are starting to pile up for Maxey and Edgecombe, who are leading the league in minutes played. The margin for error shrinks against good teams, and his presence will be needed as the competition increases.
The start to the season is encouraging, but it is clear that Paul George’s return is pivotal. His presence would not only ease the burden on Maxey and Embiid but also give them the flexibility to experiment with lineups and defensive schemes. With George healthy in a wide-open Eastern Conference, the Sixers could be legitimate contenders when he returns, provided they can stay healthy.
