The Philadelphia 76ers are in need of a culture-setter.
That’s not to knock the current personnel. Still, when Sixers swingman Paul George took aim at the team’s lack of effort and competitive spirit, it should’ve rang the alarm. Philly’s fans might be booing the team just because he, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid have all regressed. However, the Sixers’ lack of effort is an even bigger issue and one that doesn’t just fall on the players.
Philadelphia 76ers In Need Of Culture Reset
Frankly, there’s only so much that George and Embiid can control when it comes to their health. George has sustained several injuries this season and is attempting to play through two right now. Embiid has been suffering, both mentally and physically, from post-surgery complications that team doctors knew would take a while to navigate through.
Paul George: “We’ve shown no sign of a team that will compete. We just don’t have the habits of a champion, or a playoff contending team, would have. To be honest, right now it’s a little far-fetched. All we can do is work hard and try to just keep going.” pic.twitter.com/UE6k1OaI9W
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) February 25, 2025
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In fact, before their 2024-25 campaign even began, they knew that they needed to shore up their depth because George and Embiid would have limited availability. That’s why they re-upped with Kelly Oubre Jr., as well as signed Andre Drummond and Guerschon Yabusele.
To be fair, Oubre’s performance this season has been respectable and Yabusele’s commendable. Yet, Drummond’s defensive effort and shot-selection have been questionable. Replacing him with a respected locker room veteran like Al Horford in the offseason might go a long way. Nevertheless, there aren’t any free agents currently available who are respected as leaders on and off the court.
Head Honchos On The Hot Seat?
Sixers roster architect Daryl Morey can’t be absolved of blame for signing players like Drummond. He whiffed on Kyle Lowry and Eric Gordon as well. In Lowry’s case, the veteran has provided vocal leadership but been underwhelming on the court. Gordon was being outplayed by rookie Jared McCain and has only played up to expectations in one month this season (January). He’ll now miss the remainder of the season due to an impending wrist surgery.
That being said, former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers is now being eyed by Philadelphia as a potential key advisor. Myers would likely work in tandem with Morey in this role. Nevertheless, the success he had with the Warriors and the 76ers’ questionable future could lead to him being Morey’s replacement down the line.
Coincidence Or Pattern?
Nick Nurse could be even closer to the line of fire.
Most NBA players are grown men, many of whom are well-paid. This is often cited as the reason why it’s difficult to motivate them. Yet, many players’ lack of motivation or confidence is still often impacted by coaching. With that being said, for all the goodwill that Nurse earned when he helped the Kawhi Leonard-led Toronto Raptors capture an NBA championship in 2019, this is at least the second season in which his players have shown a demonstrated lack of effort.
In fact, when Nurse was canned by Toronto in 2023, that was the reason.
“The feel, the spirit of who we really are, it’s been very disappointing for us,” Raptors president Masai Ujiri said, per former ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski. “We want to gain momentum back as a team. Togetherness, culture, all the things we’ve stood for here, I think we lacked this year.”
Maybe it’s just a coincidence. Maybe it’s not. If it’s the latter though, Nurse’s style or personality has led to two separate franchises and rosters playing without fire. That’s obviously a significant problem.
Frankly, firing Nurse without a potential replacement in mind could be foolhardy. Nonetheless, if he’s not on the hot seat already, he should be.
© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
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