The Philadelphia 76ers had their own Big 3 at the start of the 2024-25 season but they never got fully utilize them due to various injuries. 2023 MVP Joel Embiid, nine-time All-Star Paul George, and 2024 All-Star Tyrese Maxey played just 15 games together and the Sixers failed to reach the playoffs, the first time since the 2016-17 season.
They are running it back this year and if things go as planned for them – like having the Big 3 almost the entire season – they might just become the team to beat in the Eastern Conference.
NBA and Sixers legend Charles Barkley believes his team for eight years can be the best in their conference. The biggest asterisk, however, is the availability of their stars.
He also said that the Eastern title is for anybody’s taking and it will be a crazy competition.
“The East is up for grabs. I mean, it’s going to be crazy. I got no idea who’s going to win the East,” Barkley said.
“I mean, s***, the Sixers, if they could get healthy, they might be the best team in the East. I know the Knicks and Cleveland are probably going to be favored. I think the Hawks got better. But, man, I gotta tell you something; I ain’t got no faith in anybody right now in the East. The Cavs, they’re going to have to prove it before people give them their credit.”
Philadelphia 76ers’ pre-season game
Sixers players themselves believe they have a legit shot for the title and work has already started when they encountered the New York Knicks in Dubai, UAE for a pre-season game which they lost, 84-99.
PG and Embiid sat the game out although they were in the country.
Best takeaway from it is that their rookie VJ Edgecombe feels comfortable by finishing with 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Maxey played like himself with 14 points. Danny Barlow, Kelly Oubre, and Hunter Sallis contributed a combined 22 points.
Credit: Getty Images
Embiid did not play as part of his recovery from knee injury that shut him down in February. He said he is currently feeling good with his body.
“I’m good. Getting there. Obviously taking it day by day,” he told Middle East publication The National.
“We got a couple boxes to check. Everything’s going well so far. We’re just going to take that approach,” he said on Wednesday.”
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