Evaluating the 76ers 1 week into the season

If you had told a 76ers fan that they would start the season 4-0, with 3 double-digit 4th quarter/overtime comebacks, they would tell you to seek help immediately, as you are clearly unwell.

Low and behold, the Philadelphia 76ers are having their best start since their 2019-2020 campaign and are doing it with a restricted Joel Embiid and an injured starting lineup.

In the first four games, Philadelphia has rotated 3 different starting lineups, showcasing its depth early. We’ve seen positives out of newcomers VJ Edgecombe and Dominick Barlow, and pure domination out of returners such as Tyrese Maxey and Quentin Grimes.

Edgecome has displayed utter poise and comfort in his starting role and is having a 2024 Jared McCain-esque start to the season. He is averaging upwards of 23 points per game and is already beginning to solidify himself as a threat to opposing defenses despite his youth. Barlow, on the other hand, is on a two-way contract with Philadelphia but has played much better than a G-Leaguer. In his two games this season, Barlow is averaging about 8 points and 6 rebounds while playing good defense, which is exactly what Nick Nurse needs out of him.

Maxey’s start to this season has been a sight to see. He’s had 3 games with 39+ points and has been an absolute knockdown three-point shooter. Defenders have difficulties guarding him due to his elite speed, finesse, and ability to score from the paint, mid-range, and beyond the arc at an elite clip. But when Maxey is failing to convert, he finds Grimes, who’s an early contender for Clutch Player of the Year. Grimes hit the game-winning three in Philly’s home opener against Charlotte and hit the game-tying three late in the game against Washington. He’s averaged about 18 points per game off the bench and has been one of the primary scoring options.

Along with these players, Philadelphia has seen contributions from Andre Drummond and Adem Bona with Embiid on his 20-minute playing-time restriction. Drummond was dominant on the boards when fueling Philly’s 4th quarter comeback against the Hornets, snagging 9 rebounds in the fourth quarter alone, which allowed for Philadelphia to crawl all the way back for the win. He’s fallen back into more of a third-string center role, but his contributions cannot be understated. Additionally, Bona has played his role to perfection. His offense has been stagnant, but that’s not what the Sixers need out of him. His ability to clean up the boards and reject all shots that go near the rim has been crucial to Philly’s 4-game win streak.

This incredible start has been something that Philadelphia fans have needed after how rough their season went last year. The expectation-less 76ers are among the hottest teams in the NBA and show no signs of stopping, yet we still haven’t seen McCain or Paul George. McCain, who is still out with his hand injury, was the runaway Rookie of the Year winner last season, but went down with a knee injury, which derailed that bid. The return of his guard play to go along with Maxey, Grimes, Edgecombe, and Kelly Oubre Jr. will further deepen this team. George’s return will be an interesting scene, as Philadelphia won’t need him to be a scoring option. Rather, Nurse will want defense and rebounds out of the veteran for him to contribute.

Overall, we’ve seen countless positives in the first week of the season, and there is limitless hope for the 76ers squad. If Philadelphia can continue to ride its momentum, this team will be a team to beat in the East throughout the season.

Evan Hartenstein

Evan has been a member of the Philly Sports Reports team since March 2023. He is covering the 76ers and wants to pursue a long-lasting career in Sports Journalism.

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