As the dust settles on the NBA offseason, the Philadelphia 76ers’ 2024-25 Roster season has taken shape, with 13 players under contract and an agreement with Guerschon Yabusele. Unlike last summer, when uncertainty loomed over the team’s depth chart—largely due to James Harden’s presence and PJ Tucker’s expected starting role—this year’s roster looks more settled, with fewer question marks.
With training camp set to begin on October 1 in the Bahamas, let’s break down the Sixers’ tentative depth chart and explore some key questions heading into the season:
Projected Starters 2024-25 Roster
- Tyrese Maxey
- Kelly Oubre Jr.
- Paul George
- Caleb Martin
- Joel Embiid
The Sixers return three key starters from last year’s playoff lineup in Maxey, Oubre, and Embiid. Head coach Nick Nurse’s affinity for versatile, defensively sound players is evident with the inclusion of Oubre, George, and Martin. This trio should provide the Sixers with solid defensive coverage across multiple positions.
Bench Guards
- Kyle Lowry
- Eric Gordon
- Reggie Jackson
- Jared McCain
- Jeff Dowtin Jr. (Two-Way Contract)
The Sixers’ bench features a wealth of experience, particularly in the backcourt, with veterans like Lowry, Gordon, and Jackson. Lowry, in particular, will be instrumental in helping new additions adapt to the Nurse’s system, regardless of his specific role.
Bench Wings and Forwards
- Guerschon Yabusele
- Ricky Council IV
- KJ Martin
- Justin Edwards (Two-Way Contract)
- David Jones (Two-Way Contract)
The competition for rotation minutes among Yabusele, Council, and Martin will be something to watch during training camp and the preseason.
Bench Big Men
- Andre Drummond
- Adem Bona
Behind Embiid, the Sixers have a mix of veteran experience in Drummond and youthful potential in Bona, a rookie known for his shot-blocking prowess.
Where Are the Sixers Strongest?
While basketball isn’t just about scoring, it’s worth noting that Maxey, Embiid, and George combined for an impressive 83.2 points per game last season. This offensive firepower should help the Sixers avoid any issues with spacing or overlapping roles, especially with George’s sharpshooting ability—he hit 43.5% of his catch-and-shoot three-pointers last year.
Defensively, Oubre, George, and Martin form a core that’s expected to work hard on both ends of the floor, reducing the need for drastic defensive adjustments come playoff time. Under Nurse’s emphasis on possession-based basketball, the Sixers remain capable in key areas, despite losing De’Anthony Melton and Paul Reed. George’s excellent steal rate and Drummond’s elite rebounding should keep them competitive in the possession game.
Potential Weaknesses
However, there are potential pitfalls. The team’s reliance on its three stars—particularly Embiid, who has an extensive injury history, and George, who is 34 years old—means that injury management will be crucial. Additionally, the Sixers’ guard depth is somewhat undersized, with Maxey, Lowry, Gordon, Jackson, and McCain all standing 6-foot-3 or shorter. While these players have compensatory traits like Jackson’s 7-foot wingspan and Lowry’s strength, switching on defense may present challenges.
The absence of Nicolas Batum could also be felt, especially in terms of his passing, basketball IQ, and chemistry with Embiid. While Drummond and Martin are eager to hustle for loose balls, Batum’s calm, selfless approach will be hard to replace.
Power Forward Strategy
The Sixers may not need to rely heavily on traditional power forwards, as post-up defense is less critical in today’s game. Oubre, George, and Martin, though not conventionally sized for the position, should suffice in most matchups. However, Yabusele’s physical presence could be valuable in certain scenarios, such as when facing Milwaukee’s Bobby Portis.
Handling Young Talent
The Sixers’ two draft picks, Jared McCain (20 years old) and Adem Bona (21 years old), are unlikely to play major roles initially. Bona, though, could find himself in the rotation if either Embiid or Drummond misses time. Otherwise, the Sixers may look to the G League’s Delaware Blue Coats to develop their young talent. McCain, despite a challenging summer league showing, will have the opportunity to learn from veterans like Maxey and Lowry, though his minutes may be limited as a rookie.
As the Sixers prepare for the 2024-25 Roster they appear to have a well-rounded roster with significant strengths, but the success of their campaign will hinge on maintaining health, managing rotations, and integrating new talent into Nurse’s system.
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