After signing Paul George, drafting Jared McCain, and adding pieces around the edges last summer, the 76ers had hopes of a championship. No one in that organization was scouting lottery talent until injuries decimated the roster and they were forced into a tank. It was as disastrous a season as you could imagine for a franchise with real title hopes, and the pressure has mounted for success in 2026.

It is hard to see where they go if they aren’t good and healthy this season. They have two massive contracts (a combined $106 million for Joel Embiid and Paul George in 2026) that hinder their ability to do anything with the roster if this experiment fails. No one will trade for either of those guys with their age and health record. If Embiid plays, the team is right there in a very weak East.

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