Philly Front Office

I kept my hopes down for 3 whole games and it was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. Are the Sixers a legitimate title contender? No. Do they have the potential to be the most satisfying team of the last 24 years? Yes. What I mean is that in a season without much expectation we have been given a team that tries hard and is very likeable. Isn’t that something? Goddamn, I feel good watching the Sixers again.

Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 at 7:00p – Sixers at Washington Wizards

For years we have been burdened with expectations and the constant sinking feeling that something bad was lurking just around the corner. Before that, it was a debilitating lack of talent. Other than a few years when Joel was courting Rihanna and it looked like Ben Simmons wanted to play basketball, it’s been a slog from a personality standpoint as well. Someone was always pouting, injured with an ambiguous recovery window, or just plain unlikeable. This year? It’s different.

People always say that change starts at the top. No, we didn’t get rid of the handshake impaired owner, the GM, or the coach…but the team clearly has a new captain. This is Tyrese Maxey’s team now. It’s off the court, it’s in the game, they have finally given his infectious smile room to breath and permeate all those who come in contact.

It’s more than that though. Did anyone notice something that all three of these early wins had in common? They overcame adversity. Previous Sixers teams were exceptional at giving up and dying. It was like a calling card. Remember Game 7 against the Celtics? A close game at halftime turned into a blowout in an instant. This year has been completely different. Against Boston, a halftime lead turned into a 13-point 4th quarter deficit. Win. Against Charlotte, another halftime lead turned into a 10-point deficit with less than 6 minutes on the clock. Win. Last night against Orlando, a big Sixers lead dwindled to just 2 with 5 minutes to go. Instead of folding against a seemingly better team…win. All three were led by Tyrese Maxey and his 34 points per game.

Of course, he’s not the only one. The even bigger story nationally has been VJ Edgecombe. He’s averaging 24.5ppg, 6.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2 steals per game so far. That’s crazy and pacing the other rookies in his class by far. It’s not about the numbers though. What we saw immediately was that he absolutely belongs on an NBA court. He isn’t afraid to take shots, the game isn’t too fast, and he isn’t flustered by NBA defense. He is decisive, plays within the flow of the game, and simultaneously isn’t jacking up too many shots or passing up open looks. Even some stars never understand that part of the game. He’s a keeper and a winner. He’s the kind of guy we haven’t had…period.

Did you see what Dominick Barlow did on opening night? He grabbed offensive rebounds!!! My eyes didn’t understand the input. My Philadelphia 76ers don’t just get offensive rebounds. You aren’t ready for this stat. We are averaging 11.7 offensive boards per game despite Barlow missing a game and a half. That’s middle of the pack, but still better than any of us can remember. It’s that kind of basketball that we just aren’t used to and frankly, I don’t think any of us saw coming this year.

Speaking of Barlow, he is one of the many names looking VERY competent out on the court. We knew Maxey would be fine, but we weren’t sure about how VJ would acclimate, how Quentin Grimes would play after his contract dispute, or how Kelly Oubre would react to trade rumors. Well, so far so good. In fact, it looks like we are legitimately 9 competent players deep right now. That doesn’t even include Jared McCain (who got his cast off this week) and Trendon Watford. That’s 11.

I left one name off the list because I legitimately forgot he existed watching last night’s game, Paul George. I don’t mean that as a slight, he’s just been out of sight out of mind. He should finally do what he was destined to do with the Sixers, make the rotation complete. Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t have high hopes for George. I’m not expecting him to turn back the clock 10 years, but I do see him as a good passer, solid defender, and decent shooter. He’s not a max guy, but he’s not a negative either. Our rotation on a good night is Embiid, George, Edgecombe, Maxey, and probably Oubre starting with McCain, Grimes, Bona, Watford, Barlow, Edwards, and a resurgent Andre Drummond available off the bench.

Again, that’s not a championship team, but it’s one that can rebound, shoot, handle the ball, and play defense (assuming Embiid gets that part of his game back). Then with Maxey at the helm, we are going to have a puncher’s chance in any game. This is as complete and fun a team as I can remember.

Going into the season, I was rooting for 41-41 with adequate rest and player development. Whether that meant the playoffs or the lottery, it didn’t matter. Now with the team 3-0, VJ taking a star turn, and Embiid adhering to his strict minutes restriction…should I change those expectations? No, no I don’t think I will. I’m just going to keep enjoying this team.