The 2024 NBA free agency period has already delivered massive headlines, but none bigger than Paul George Joins the 76ers. After months of speculation, George left the Los Angeles Clippers to form a new “Big Three” alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
But the real question on everyone’s mind is: Can this new-look 76ers team finally dethrone the Boston Celtics in the East?
In this in-depth breakdown, we’ll analyze:
✔ Why Paul George chose the 76ers
✔ How he fits alongside Embiid & Maxey
✔ The biggest threats in the East (Celtics, Knicks, Bucks)
✔ Philadelphia’s championship chances in 2025
Why Did Paul George Choose the 76ers?
Paul George’s free agency was one of the most closely watched storylines of the summer. After six seasons with the Clippers, George opted for a fresh start—and the Paul George Joins the 76ers. Here’s why:
1. A True Championship Contender
The 76ers have been knocking on the door of the Eastern Conference Finals for years, but injuries and lack of a true second star behind Joel Embiid have held them back. With Tyrese Maxey’s breakout season (25.9 PPG, 6.2 APG) and George’s elite two-way play, Philly now has the firepower to compete with Boston and Milwaukee.
2. The Daryl Morey Effect
76ers President Daryl Morey is known for making bold moves (see: James Harden trade). This time, he cleared max cap space by offloading Tobias Harris and signing Paul George Joins the 76ers to a 4-year, $212 million deal. Morey’s aggressive approach convinced PG-13 that Philly was the best place to win.
3. The Celtics Are the Ultimate Challenge
Boston has dominated the East, winning the 2024 NBA Championship behind Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. George has never beaten the Celtics in a playoff series, and joining Embiid gives him the best chance to finally overcome them.
“I want to compete for a title, and Philly gives me that opportunity. Joel is an MVP, Tyrese is a rising star—we have everything we need.” – Paul George
How Does Paul George Fit With Embiid & Maxey?
The 76ers’ new “Big Three” has the potential to be the most balanced trio in the NBA. Here’s how they complement each other:
✅ Offensive Firepower
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Joel Embiid (34.7 PPG in 2023-24) remains the league’s most dominant scorer.
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Tyrese Maxey provides elite speed and shot creation.
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Paul George (23.8 PPG, 41% 3PT) adds clutch shooting and isolation scoring.
✅ Elite Defense
George is a 6x All-Defensive Team selection, and Embiid is a 3x NBA Blocks Leader. Together, they can shut down opposing wings and bigs.
✅ Playmaking & Floor Spacing
Maxey’s growth as a playmaker (6.2 APG) means George won’t have to carry the entire playmaking load. This allows him to focus on catch-and-shoot threes and lockdown defense.
Potential Concerns
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Health: Both Embiid and George have injury histories.
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Ball Usage: Will Maxey and George share playmaking duties smoothly?
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Depth: The 76ers lost key role players (Harris, Batum) and must fill out the bench.
Biggest Threats in the Eastern Conference
1. Boston Celtics (2024 NBA Champions)
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Jayson Tatum & Jaylen Brown are in their primes.
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Kristaps Porzingis & Jrue Holiday provide elite defense and shooting.
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Depth: Boston retained most of its championship roster.
2. New York Knicks
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Jalen Brunson (28.7 PPG) is a top-5 point guard.
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OG Anunoby & Mikal Bridges form the NBA’s best wing defense.
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Added Depth: The Knicks traded for Donte DiVincenzo and Bojan Bogdanovic.
3. Milwaukee Bucks
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Giannis Antetokounmpo & Damian Lillard are still a lethal duo.
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Doc Rivers’ second season could lead to better chemistry.
Can the Paul George Joins the 76ers Win the 2025 NBA Championship?
✅ Reasons They Can Win
✔ Elite Top-3 Talent (Embiid, George, Maxey)
✔ Improved Perimeter Defense (George, Kelly Oubre Jr.)
✔ Embiid’s MVP-Level Dominance (If Healthy)
❌ Reasons They Might Fall Short
✖ Injury Risks (Embiid & George’s history)
✖ Lack of Bench Depth (Compared to Boston/NYK)
✖ Celtics’ Experience & Chemistry
Final Verdict
The 76ers are now a legitimate title contender, but Boston remains the favorite. If Embiid and George stay healthy, Philly has a real shot at the Finals. However, beating the Celtics will require near-perfect execution.
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Conclusion
Paul George Joins the 76ers is one of the biggest stories of NBA free agency 2024. With Embiid, Maxey, and George, the Sixers now have the star power to challenge the Celtics—but health and depth will decide their fate.
Will this be the year Philly finally breaks through? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: The East just got even more exciting.
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