Daryl Morey executed a polarizing and gutsy plan which ultimately landed the team Paul George. Now the nine-time All-Star needs to make good on lofty expectations.
The Sixers and Knicks had a six-game, white-knuckle battle in the first round of last year’s NBA playoffs. New York ultimately won, though the point differential for the series was literally a single point.
As Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey shined throughout the majority of the series, the Sixers were looking for more. Tobias Harris’ swan song was a microcosm of his Sixers’ tenure, ending in disappointment and missed opportunities. A few guys had their moments, but it felt like something was missing.
For the Sixers to advance further in the playoffs than they have since 2001, Paul George will have to be that missing piece.
The wheels were set in motion for George’s arrival to Philadelphia quite some time ago. When James Harden was holding out and seeking a trade to the Clippers last year (feels like way longer ago than that, right?), the teams exchanged offers for months. One framework Daryl Morey was reportedly interested in was acquiring George in exchange for The Beard. That was a non-starter for Lawrence Frank, who held on to George but lost four role players and draft capital — only to also lose George a few months later.
In making that deal, Morey made sure to only take back expiring contracts in return, putting the Sixers in a fairly unprecedented situation of being a contender with the ability to add a max contract the following offseason. Was it Morey’s intention to get George all along? No. There were other players that could’ve been options. The plan also could’ve backfired, leaving Morey scrambling to find the right combination of role players to use his cap space on.
Instead, George is in Philly — and it’s all about to get very real.
The vibes around the Sixers are as good as they’ve been since the early days of the Joel Embiid era. Embiid and Maxey are locked into long-term extensions. The team retained players like Kelly Oubre, Jr. and Kyle Lowry who were so impactful last season. The Sixers brought in key role players like Caleb Martin, Eric Gordon and Andre Drummond to fortify their depth. They have intriguing young talent in guys like Ricky Council IV and Jared McCain.
Now George has to be the missing piece. It’s a ton of pressure. George will likely downplay it when he talks on media day next Monday. But it’s real. The Sixers haven’t been to the Eastern Conference Finals since the original Shrek was in theaters. No matter what Embiid accomplishes all anyone talks about is his inability to get past the second round.
In fairness, Embiid has had legitimate reasons for not making it to the conference finals. Health has constantly been a concern. Coaching has been one from time to time. Co-stars melting down has been another. This isn’t about rehashing all of that or absolving Embiid of all blame. This is saying George’s presence (along with Maxey’s ascension and Nurse’s mad scientist schemes) limits the excuses. The time is now.
George isn’t naive. He knows the deal. He signed a max deal at 34 years old to join forces with a former MVP and an emerging All-Star — one being one of the most dominant big men of his generation and the other looking like he’s on a meteoric rise to stardom. George has been one of the best two-way wings and one of the best shooters in the sport. He’s an ideal fit next to Embiid and Maxey.
George was brought here to help the Sixers win a title. While reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2001 would be a huge weight lifted off the organization’s back, a championship is the goal.
With Paul George here, it’s Larry O’Brien or bust.