The Philadelphia 76ers entered the 2024-25 season with high hopes, making major moves in the offseason to strengthen their roster. Yet, as they sit at 20-34 heading into the All-Star break, it’s safe to say things haven’t gone according to plan. This isn’t the season fans, analysts, or even the players themselves envisioned when the year began. With big expectations and even bigger disappointments, the Sixers are facing a harsh reality check.
High Hopes, Harsh Reality
The Sixers made an aggressive move last summer, bringing in superstar Paul George to team up with reigning MVP Joel Embiid and rising star Tyrese Maxey. The goal? To form a powerhouse in the East capable of contending with the best teams in the league. On paper, the trio had the potential to be dominant. But in reality, they barely had a chance to prove themselves together. Out of 54 games played so far, the Embiid-George-Maxey trio has only shared the court in 13. Worse, they’ve actually completed just 10 of those games together, managing a respectable 6-4 record in that limited stretch. But sporadic availability just doesn’t cut it in the NBA.
No All-Star Presence for Philly
One of the biggest indicators of Philadelphia’s struggles? Their absence from the 2025 All-Star Game in San Francisco. Not a single Sixers player will take the floor for the league’s midseason showcase. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a team that had championship aspirations just a few months ago.
If anyone deserved a spot, it was Tyrese Maxey. The young guard has been nothing short of spectacular, posting career-best numbers with 27.6 points, 6.1 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. But the Sixers’ dismal record played a major role in his All-Star snub. Despite putting up elite stats and stepping up in the absence of Embiid and George, team success—or lack thereof—matters when it comes to All-Star selections.
ESPN’s Case for Maxey
ESPN analysts made a strong argument for why Maxey should have been selected. With Embiid and George missing significant time due to injuries and struggling when they were available, Maxey essentially carried Philadelphia’s offense. His scoring jumped to a career-high 27.6 points per game, and he nearly doubled his steal average, showing his growth on both ends of the floor.
Beyond the stats, Maxey’s effort and leadership kept the Sixers competitive in the play-in race. He took on a heavier offensive burden, often facing relentless double teams from opposing defenses. Yet, he still found ways to shine.
A Stellar 14-Game Run
One of the most impressive stretches of Maxey’s career came just before the All-Star break. Over a 14-game span, he averaged an incredible 33.2 points, 6.9 assists, and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 50.4% from the field and 37.9% from three-point range. That kind of production should have solidified his All-Star status, but a couple of unfortunate events may have sealed his fate.
Just before the break, Maxey had a rough outing against the Toronto Raptors on February 11, followed by missing the next game against the Brooklyn Nets due to a right knee contusion. The timing couldn’t have been worse. Those setbacks, combined with the Sixers’ underwhelming record, likely played a role in keeping him off the All-Star roster.
Injury Woes and What’s Next
Injuries have been a recurring nightmare for the Sixers this season. Embiid, the team’s centerpiece, has been sidelined for extended periods, significantly impacting Philadelphia’s ability to compete at a high level. Paul George, their big offseason acquisition, has also battled injuries, preventing the team from developing much-needed chemistry.
Without those two on the court consistently, Maxey was forced into a role that required him to do it all—scoring, playmaking, and leading. And while he did an admirable job, basketball is a team game, and one player alone can’t carry a franchise to success. The lack of continuity and rhythm has kept the Sixers from gaining any real traction this season.
Looking Ahead: Can the Sixers Bounce Back?
While this season has been a disappointment, the Sixers still have reasons for optimism heading into 2025-26. Health will be the biggest factor. If Embiid and George can stay on the court, and Maxey continues his upward trajectory, Philadelphia should be in a much better position next season.
Team success is crucial for All-Star selections, and if the Sixers can turn things around, Maxey should have a great shot at making the team in future years. His numbers and impact are already at an All-Star level—it’s just a matter of getting the team back to a winning record.
Final Thoughts
The 2024-25 season hasn’t been kind to Philadelphia, but it’s not over yet. There’s still time to make a late push, and with the talent on this roster, anything is possible. Maxey has already proven he can be a star, and if the Sixers can get healthy and build some momentum, they could quickly go from disappointment to contender status again. The road ahead won’t be easy, but if any team can defy the odds, it’s the Philadelphia 76ers.
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