Even before the NBA Season 2024-25 started, fans thought that the Philadelphia 76ers would be a huge threat to every team. However, Joel Embiid's injury got worse, not to mention the worst record they've had this year. Paul George got wrecked with his injuries, as well.
With this disaster, the Sixers played with no stars on the team, but that won't stop Nick Nurse from improving the team's record at the very least. In the end, there might be two people to blame for the mishap: Head Coach Nick Nurse and President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey.
An NBA insider thinks that the 76ers will be put into the "hottest seats" next season because of what happened to the organization.
NBA Insider Taken Back by Sixers' Limited Roster Moves
NBA sources were equally surprised as fans. ESPN's Brian Windhorst confessed that he was "mildly surprised" Philadelphia decided to run it back.
Appearing on The Stephen A. Smith Show, Windhorst said that after doing some digging, it became apparent the team's highest-ranking officials—Managing Partners Josh Harris and David Blitzer—were fully on board with the franchise's big offseason moves.
Read more: NBA Trade Rumors: LaMelo Ball Might Consider Splitting With Hornets This Offseason, But Why?
Joel Embiid and Paul George's Injuries Derail the Sixers' Season
The 76ers' woes can be traced in large part to a vicious string of injuries. Morey bet on Embiid and George, two stars with a combined 16 All-Star games but spotty injury records. During the 2024-25 season, both missed considerable time, with George appearing in just 41 games and Embiid missing more than 20 contests.
Since both stars are currently in their 30s, the Sixers' future is in danger, according to Yardbarker. The strategy of dominating with a superstar duo was dismantled prematurely, ruining any legitimate title consideration.
Nick Nurse Given Benefit of the Doubt After Tough Season
Head coaches usually find themselves scapegoated when things go wrong during a season, but the Sixers appear to appreciate the singular circumstances Nick Nurse had to work with.
Repeated lineup rotations due to injury left Nurse with a no-win situation, one that not many coaches in the league could have handled effectively.
Rather than scapegoating Nurse, Philadelphia's management decided to provide him with an opportunity to rebuild for the 2025-26 season. The locker room tensions were also brewing at that time.
'Hottest Seats' Heating Up for 2025-26 Season
Though Nurse and Morey made it through this offseason, their seats are now some of the hottest in the NBA. As Windhorst summarized, the two officials have no margin for error now.
Significant changes will be on their way if the Sixers fail to deliver a great season for the NBA 2025-26. One of them might happen during the draft day: signing Blue Devils' freshman center Khaman Maluach to become the next Embiid.
With old stars, injury threats, and ceiling-high expectations, the heat in Philadelphia has never been greater.
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