Nick Nurse Raves About Rare Bright Spot From 76ers’ Season
When the Philadelphia 76ers entered the 2024-25 NBA season, they didn’t envision thinking more about top prospect Cooper Flagg and whether they’d retain their first-round pick than the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Philadelphia signed Paul George to a four-year, $211.6 million contract. They retained Kelly Oubre, who became a fan favorite the previous year, his first in the City of Brotherly Love. The Sixers also added Caleb Martin. They even earned positive feedback at the NBA Draft, selecting former Duke Blue Devil guard Jared McCain.
Unfortunately for the 76ers, after contributing to the United States men’s basketball team’s gold medal run, Joel Embiid’s been plagued by a knee injury that limited him to 19 games this season. In September, the seven-time All-Star signed a three-year, $193 million extension.
Meanwhile, George, who’s on one of the NBA’s worst contracts, has only appeared in 41 contests. He’s averaging 16.2 points, down from 22.6 in his final campaign with the Los Angeles Clippers. His field goal percentage has plummeted to 43 percent compared to slightly north of 47 percent a season ago. The six-time All-NBA selection, who turns 35 in May, is shooting 35.8 percent from beyond the arc on 6.5 three-point attempts per game.
After a promising start, McCain’s season ended in December when the rookie tore his left meniscus.
Philadelphia’s nightmare year has led to the franchise clinging to the hope of retaining its first-round draft pick. If it falls outside of the top six, it belongs to the kings of draft capital, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Between the Thunder’s picks, swaps, and protected selections, like the one the 76ers may convey to them, Oklahoma City has 29 first and second-round choices between now and 2031.
