Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George. Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Biggest potential flaw for Sixers ahead of 2024-25 season

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 10/15/24

Daryl Morey has revamped the Philadelphia 76ers roster ahead of the upcoming season. Paul George's addition was likely the move of the summer. The veteran forward was the clear-cut top talent on the market and will form a dangerous partnership with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.

With a new Big Three in place, Philadelphia is expected to be a serious threat at the top end of the Eastern Conference. However, the roster's potential major flaw is too much reliance on two injury-prone stars remaining healthy.

In his five years with the L.A. Clippers, George played 263 games. That means he missed almost 40 percent of the Clippers games during his tenure with the franchise. That number could be a little lower when you factor in the COVID season in 2019-20. Nevertheless, George's availability was an obstacle during his spell in Los Angeles.

On Monday night, George hyperextended his knee during a preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks. Sixers fans are likely coming to terms with the risk Morey has taken in building a potential contender.

The first 2 Paul George Sixers baskets that were not erased from history by technical difficulties: pic.twitter.com/iwTabHTieH
— Austin Krell (@NBAKrell) October 11, 2024

George isn't the only injury-prone star on the Sixers roster. Joel Embiid has consistently struggled to stay healthy throughout the regular season. The big man's conditioning has also become a concerning factor during his team's postseason runs.

With two of the Sixers' primary stars needing their minutes managed and their health closely monitored, we may not see the best from them in the coming months. Instead, Philadelphia should bide its time before unleashing the trio closer to the playoffs. If George and Embiid can enter the postseason healthy, the Sixers will have a good chance of success.

Nevertheless, there are many "ifs" and "buts" regarding the Sixers' two veteran All-Stars. Morey knew the risk he was taking when he struck a deal to bring George to Philadelphia, and Nurse is likely confident that he would make things work.

Still, we would be remiss to overlook the tightrope the Sixers are trying to navigate. If one of Embiid or George is out for the postseason, their chances of making or progressing beyond the Eastern Conference Finals are slim to none.

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