The 76ers boast superstar duo Embiid and PG — but one expert says rebuilding is their only hope!

The Philadelphia 76ers are entering the 2025-26 NBA season with a storm of questions surrounding their roster, strategy, and leadership. Last season was meant to be the dawn of a new era for Philly basketball, highlighted by the acquisition of Paul George to form a potential “Big 3” alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Instead, injuries and underperformance have left fans frustrated, analysts skeptical, and experts like Stacey King suggesting a complete rebuild may be the best path forward.

A Disaster Season: 24-58 Record

The 2024-25 season ended in disappointment for the 76ers, as they finished with a shocking 24-58 record, their worst campaign since the 2016-17 season. The much-hyped trio of George, Embiid, and Maxey rarely shared the floor due to persistent injuries. Embiid appeared in just 19 games, while Paul George was limited to 41 appearances, marking his lowest scoring average in a decade at 16.2 points per game.

Fans and analysts were stunned not only by the lack of production but also by George’s off-court activities. At one point, George uploaded more podcast episodes on YouTube (228) than field goals made (191), raising questions about his focus and commitment. Despite shutting down his podcast in February to focus on a playoff push, injuries forced Philly to sideline him for the remainder of the season.

Stacey King Calls for a Rebuild

On his podcast, NBA analyst Stacey King didn’t hold back. “Move on from Paul George… I’m keeping Tyrese Maxey. He’s a young player. But Paul George and Joel Embiid are always hurt. They’re never playing together. It’s got to be fewer than 20 games. And Paul George is more into podcasting than actually playing,” King said.

His comments highlight a key problem: despite their talent, George and Embiid have struggled to stay healthy, leaving the Sixers unable to build consistency. King argues that the team may need to focus on young players like Maxey and consider a full rebuild to secure long-term success.

A “Big 3” That Never Played Like One

The idea of a Philadelphia “Big 3” was meant to catapult the 76ers into championship contention, creating a dominant trio that could compete at the highest level of the NBA. However, the reality was far from that vision. Paul George and Joel Embiid only shared the court 19 times last season, and their persistent injuries left the team scrambling for stability. This meant that Tyrese Maxey often carried the load, emerging as the lone consistent performer amid the chaos.

George arrived from the Clippers with lofty expectations, touted as a key piece to complement Embiid’s dominance and Maxey’s rising talent. Yet, his impact in Philadelphia has been inconsistent at best. Injuries and frequent absences, combined with moments of questionable focus, prevented him from fulfilling the role fans had hoped for. Meanwhile, Embiid’s ongoing health struggles meant the Sixers rarely saw their stars perform together, leaving the team unable to establish chemistry or momentum.

For fans and analysts alike, the season became a frustrating exercise in watching untapped potential slip away. The once-promising “Big 3” concept never materialized on the court, highlighting the urgent need for the organization to rethink its strategy and perhaps focus on building a more sustainable, injury-resilient roster moving forward.

Kendrick Perkins Supports Full Overhaul

Adding to King’s critique, former NBA player and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins suggested a full organizational reset. On his show Perk Unplugged, he emphasized, “I would hit the reset button all across the f—king board. And it’s not just with trading Joel Embiid and Paul George. But also on who actually paid those guys and jumped the gun. It’s time to clean house in the front office.”

Perkins pointed directly at management, noting that Daryl Morey may have miscalculated the risks associated with injuries to Embiid and George, ultimately leaving the team in a precarious position.

The Case for Rebuilding Around Tyrese Maxey

Both King and Perkins agree on one point: Tyrese Maxey represents a bright spot for the 76ers. At just 23 years old, Maxey has proven he can carry the team when the stars are sidelined. Analysts suggest that Philly should prioritize acquiring draft picks, developing young talent, and preparing for a full rebuild rather than relying on an injury-prone duo.

King elaborated: “So I would move on from those guys, try to get as many picks as I can from them, and let my fanbase know this is more for the long-term sustainability for the Philadelphia 76ers. We got some young pieces right now — Edgecombe, McCain — let’s play for the draft and see what we can do.”

Rumors Suggest Management Will Give Them One More Chance

Despite calls for a rebuild, reports from the early 2025 preseason indicate that the Sixers’ front office may give the current core one last opportunity to prove their worth. If both George and Embiid can maintain health, the team might attempt to compete before committing to a full-scale rebuild.

Fan Reaction: Frustration and Skepticism

Philadelphia fans have expressed mixed feelings. While Maxey’s potential excites the fanbase, many remain skeptical about George and Embiid’s ability to stay healthy and lead the team. Social media has been flooded with posts questioning whether the front office’s decision to pursue a “Big 3” was a misstep.

Looking Ahead: Key Questions for the 2025-26 Season

As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, several critical questions loom:

• Can Paul George stay healthy and regain his All-Star form?

• Will Joel Embiid overcome injuries to provide the dominant play fans expect?

• Can Tyrese Maxey evolve into a true franchise cornerstone?

• Will the Sixers’ management finally commit to a full rebuild, including the front office?

The answers to these questions will determine whether Philadelphia remains a playoff contender or faces a prolonged rebuilding phase.

Conclusion: Time for Tough Decisions

For the Philadelphia 76ers, the 2025-26 season may be a crossroads. Analysts like Stacey King and Kendrick Perkins believe the team is better off rebuilding rather than chasing short-term success with an injury-prone duo. While fans hope for one final shot at glory with the current roster, the reality may require bold moves, strategic trades, and a focus on developing young talent.

Whether the Sixers can navigate this critical period successfully remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the days of relying on Paul George and Joel Embiid as the foundation may be numbered, and Philadelphia basketball fans are bracing for a future filled with both uncertainty and potential.