At the All-Star break, the Philadelphia 76ers find themselves in an unexpected and frustrating position. Sitting at 20-34, a season that began with championship aspirations has been derailed by injuries, inconsistent performances, and a whole lot of adversity. Instead of competing for a top seed in the East, the Sixers are struggling just to stay within striking distance of the play-in tournament.
Despite the challenges, the front office made some notable moves before the trade deadline, bringing in Quentin Grimes and Jared Butler while also converting Butler and Justin Edwards to standard deals. With new faces in the mix, it’s time to take a fresh look at the updated Sixers’ depth chart and see where they stand heading into the final stretch of the season.
Point Guard
Starter: Tyrese Maxey
Depth: Jared Butler, Kyle Lowry, Jeff Dowtin Jr. (two-way)
Tyrese Maxey has been nothing short of phenomenal in the 2024-25 season. The young Kentucky product is averaging 27.6 points, 6.1 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game while carrying an enormous load on both ends of the floor. With so many injuries plaguing the Sixers, Maxey has had to step up as both a scorer and a leader. The hope is that after the All-Star break, with a (hopefully) healthier roster, he won’t have to shoulder quite as much responsibility.
Jared Butler has made an immediate impact since arriving in Philadelphia. His ability to create offense and put the ball on the floor has been a welcome addition, earning him a two-year standard contract after starting on a two-way deal. Veteran Kyle Lowry remains a steady presence in the rotation, helping direct traffic and provide leadership, while Jeff Dowtin Jr. offers solid ball-handling depth when needed.
Shooting Guard
Starter: Quentin Grimes
Depth: Eric Gordon, David Roddy, Jared McCain (out for the season)
The Sixers have been on the hunt for a reliable two-way wing, and they may have found their guy in Quentin Grimes. The former Knicks guard brings energy on the defensive end, doesn’t hesitate to fire from three, and has the ability to put the ball on the deck when necessary. In his first four games with Philly, Grimes has averaged 16.8 points while shooting 33.3% from deep on 6.8 attempts per game. That percentage should climb as he gets more comfortable in the offense.
Eric Gordon has been another crucial piece, providing valuable floor spacing and veteran leadership. His three-point shooting keeps defenses honest and gives Maxey and Embiid more room to operate. Meanwhile, David Roddy is on a 10-day contract and will have to prove he belongs in the rotation. Unfortunately, rookie Jared McCain is out for the season, limiting Philadelphia’s depth at the position.
Small Forward
Starter: Kelly Oubre Jr.
Depth: Justin Edwards, Ricky Council IV, David Roddy
Kelly Oubre Jr. has found his footing in Philly. Now that he’s settled in, he’s delivering 14.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and a career-high 1.8 assists per game. His three-point shooting (28.8%) leaves much to be desired, but he brings defensive versatility and an aggressive slashing presence that the Sixers need.
Perhaps the biggest surprise has been Justin Edwards. The undrafted rookie out of Kentucky has been a revelation, averaging 8.2 points and 3.2 rebounds while even earning consecutive starts. His development has been a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season. Ricky Council IV and David Roddy provide additional depth at the position, with Council’s athleticism making him a potential spark off the bench.
Power Forward
Starter: Paul George
Depth: Guerschon Yabusele, Ricky Council IV
Paul George’s first season with the Sixers hasn’t gone as planned. Averaging 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists while shooting just 42.6% from the field and 36.3% from three, he has struggled to establish chemistry with his teammates. Injuries across the roster have only made things worse, disrupting any chance of continuity. With just 28 games left in the regular season, time is running out for George and the Sixers to figure things out.
On the flip side, Guerschon Yabusele has been one of the team’s most consistent players. After spending five years away from the NBA, he has made an impressive return, averaging 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 40.1% from beyond the arc. His strong performances have earned him some starts, and he continues to be a reliable contributor. Council may also see some minutes at power forward due to his athleticism.
Center
Starter: Joel Embiid
Depth: Guerschon Yabusele, Andre Drummond, Adem Bona
When healthy, Joel Embiid remains one of the most dominant forces in the NBA. He’s putting up 24.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. However, his biggest issue this season has been availability. Playing in only 17 games so far, his shooting percentages have taken a hit—45.4% from the field and 33.3% from deep. On top of that, the Sixers are just 8-9 in games he has played, which speaks to the team’s overall struggles with consistency.
With Embiid missing so much time, Yabusele has logged significant minutes at center. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting has provided some offensive versatility. Andre Drummond has also been in and out of the lineup due to a nagging toe injury, which has limited him to just 30 games. Meanwhile, rookie Adem Bona, a second-round pick, is seeing limited action, averaging 3.0 points and 2.8 rebounds in 37 games, including one start.
Final Thoughts
The Sixers’ season has been a rollercoaster ride. Injuries have ravaged their roster, leaving them scrambling to find consistency. However, the recent acquisitions of Quentin Grimes and Jared Butler provide some fresh energy, while breakout performances from Justin Edwards and Guerschon Yabusele offer some hope.
The question remains: Can this team turn things around in time to make a playoff push? With just 28 games left, the margin for error is razor-thin. A healthy Embiid and more production from Paul George could make all the difference. If they can string together some wins and build momentum post-All-Star break, the Sixers still have a shot at salvaging their season. But if the struggles continue, it could be a long, disappointing road to the finish line.
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