The 2024-25 NBA season has been a rough road for the Philadelphia 76ers. Expectations were high heading into the year, but the team’s Big 3—Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey—has only managed to play together for 10 games. To make matters worse, they’ve only finished seven of those games due to an unrelenting wave of injuries that has thrown a wrench in the 76ers' plans.
This rough patch has resulted in a series of tough losses. It's been a struggle, especially for a core group that hasn’t been familiar with this kind of adversity in recent seasons. Take Tyrese Maxey, for example. The young guard has been a key contributor for the 76ers since his rookie season in 2020-21 when they finished with the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Maxey was also part of teams that won 51 games in 2022 and 54 games in 2023. However, now in 2024, he’s part of a squad that’s been hit hard with injuries and is struggling to find its footing. This experience of losing is something completely new for him.
"It's definitely hard," Maxey admitted after a tough loss to the New York Knicks in midweek. "I’ve won at every level in my career, so this is a different feeling. Early in the season, I’ll admit, it got to me. I talked about it here a couple of times. But now, I don't feel that pressure anymore. I just want to go out there and compete every single night. I want the guys who are out there to take advantage of the opportunities they have because in the NBA, they don’t come around often."
The losses have been tough to swallow, but the situation is far from hopeless. With Joel Embiid's eventual return to the lineup, the hope is that the team can string together some wins and get back on track. However, as of now, Maxey is doing his best to manage the reality of the situation. Every player on the roster has been sidelined by some form of injury, and Maxey’s message to his teammates is clear: compete hard every night. It’s about resilience and taking whatever comes with a positive attitude.
One of the bright spots in this challenging season has been the emergence of younger players like Justin Edwards. Maxey has been particularly impressed by how Edwards has stepped up in the absence of key players. "When you have six or seven guys out, that’s not something you see on every team," Maxey said. "If we didn’t have all these injuries, we wouldn’t know what Justin would be doing. But right now, he's seizing the opportunity, and that’s what it’s all about. When guys get the chance, they have to take full advantage. In the end, it’s fun. We’re playing the game we love, the game we’ve worked so hard to play every day."
While it’s clear that the 76ers are going through a rough patch, Maxey’s mindset reflects the team’s determination to continue fighting. The goal for now isn’t about focusing on the big picture but rather focusing on what can be controlled: showing up every night with the mindset of giving it 100%. Whether the 76ers are short-handed or dealing with injuries, the focus has to be on effort and attitude.
The sense of optimism isn’t totally lost, even though it’s been a trying season. The franchise’s future is bright with talent like Embiid, Maxey, and Paul George on the roster, and the eventual return of key players will give the team a fighting chance to turn things around. But for now, it's a lesson in perseverance. And sometimes, when a team is facing adversity, that’s where the growth happens. Everyone, from the veterans to the rookies, has a role to play in pushing through this tough stretch.
In a season filled with obstacles, it’s important to remember that the NBA is unpredictable. Teams that face hardship early in the season can often come back stronger and more unified. The 76ers are still figuring out how to work together amidst the injuries, but the core of this team remains one of the most talented in the league.
Maxey’s message to his teammates, especially the younger players like Edwards, is clear: seize the moment, keep working hard, and enjoy the game. Basketball is about more than just wins and losses—it’s about playing with passion, regardless of the circumstances. And the 76ers have more than enough talent to turn things around and get back into contention.
While it might take some time for the 76ers to find their rhythm again, there’s no doubt that the foundation for success is still there. The team just has to stay the course and focus on playing hard each and every night. Whether it’s Maxey’s leadership, Embiid’s eventual return, or the continued growth of the younger players, the 76ers still have plenty of reason to remain hopeful for what lies ahead.
As they move forward, the key is to keep grinding and not get discouraged by the setbacks. With the right mindset and a full roster, the 76ers could very well be back on top before long. For now, they have to embrace the process, take pride in every minute on the court, and continue giving their all each game. The road to success may not be easy, but it’s never impossible for a team that’s determined to push through.
The 2024-25 season may not have started as expected, but the 76ers’ journey is far from over.
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