What a massive swing by the 76ers.
The Sixers have been worried about surviving the Joel Embiid experience from season to season, as their potential hinges on his availability. Last season, they figured that out a lot better with Tyrese Maxey continuing to rise as a star, and VJ Edgecombe immediately making an impact as a star rookie.
Paul George did not have a great season and missed 25 games because of a suspension at one point. Now the 76ers replace him in the lineup with Jaylen Brown, who is coming off the best individual season of his career. The Sixers can now roll out a perimeter attack of Maxey, Brown and Edgecombe, which is going to be nearly impossible for teams to match up against. On the nights Embiid is available and active, they could be one of the best teams in the East. On the nights when Embiid is struggling or unable to play, they’ll still be fine.
The Sixers can legitimately challenge the Knicks in the East now, but they’ll still need to be healthy. Remember, New York just swept them in the second round. Swapping George for Brown changes that dynamic a lot.
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