Philadelphia 76ers: Five things you need to know

• Oldest NBA franchise still in original city
• Three-time NBA champions (1955, 1967, 1983)
• Home to legends Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, and Allen Iverson

The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the NBA's most historic franchises, with roots dating back to 1946 as the Syracuse Nationals. Across almost eight decades, the 76ers have contributed era defining teams that have showcased what it takes to win championships in periods where basketball philosophy has drastically changed. Since their “Trust the Process” era, the 76ers have ascended as Eastern Conference contenders with Joel Embiid’s game the catalyst for their modern elevation.

2024-25 NBA Season Summary

• Record: 24-58
• Finish: 13th seed
• All-Star Selections: N/A

The 2024/25 Philadelphia 76ers were the most disappointing team in the NBA. Making a blockbuster move to secure the services of nine-time All-Star Paul George, the 76ers came into the season as a red-hot favourite to take out the East. Despite forming a formidable trio of Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and Paul George, the three only shared the court on 15 occasions, with persistent injury clouds casting a shadow on the 76ers season. Philadelphia’s all round game play was abysmal, struggling to find the outlets to generate their offence and the physicality to outwit opposition on defensive rebounding with the side ranking last in rebounding stats.

Offseason Moves

Re-signing

• Justin Edwards returns on 3-year deal
• Eric Gordon returns on 1-year deal
• Kyle Lowry returns on 1-year deal

Additions

• Trendon Watford agrees to 2-year deal

Departures

• Jared Butler departs in free agency to Suns
• Ricky Council IV waived
• Guerschon Yabusele departs in free agency to Knicks

After their subpar season, the 76ers have had an uninspiring offseason. Their standout addition will be VJ Edgecombe who the 76ers drafted with the third pick at this year’s draft. As an explosive young guard, the potential of Edgecombe will excite Sixers fans, but it is his defensive maturity at such a young age that will be an instant hit with the fans. Edgecombe has a difficult task fighting for minutes against Philly’s talented pool of guards which includes Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain and potentially Quentin Grimes.

Philadelphia executed a few re-signings that do a good job at preserving players who have contributed important minutes, but don’t significantly move the needle. Eric Gordon and Kyle Lowry on one-year deals are low risk transactions that can bring stability and experience to a side looking to find their feet and establish themselves as contenders once again. Justin Edwards got a much-deserved three-year contract, with the undrafted forward taking advantage of a surplus of minutes last year, returning 10.1 points per game on the season.    

The 76ers lost one of their more inspiring pieces this offseason with Guerschon Yabusele departing for bitter rivals the Knicks. Yabusele was Philly’s bright spark last year, impressing the league with his unique mix of brute strength with composed shooting. His shooting splits of 50% from the field and 38% from behind the arc, were crucial jumps that contributed to his points per game increasing by 4.5 points. His presence for the 76ers last year was vital, playing in 70 games and being a handy back up which the Sixers could have definitely used going into the 2025/26 season.

2025-26 Predicted Lineup

1. Point Guard: Tyrese Maxey
2. Shooting Guard: Quentin Grimes
3. Small Forward: VJ Edgecombe
4. Power Forward: Paul George
5. Centre: Joel Embiid

Australians who have played for the Philadelphia 76ers

Ben Simmons: Born in Melbourne, Victoria, Simmons was selected by the 76ers as the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. He played for Philadelphia from 2016 to 2022, earning multiple All-Star selections and the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year award. Simmons was known for his versatility, playmaking, and defensive skills.

Matisse Thybulle: Although born in Scottsdale, Arizona, Thybulle holds dual American-Australian citizenship and spent part of his childhood in Sydney. Drafted by the 76ers in 2019, he played with the team until 2023. Thybulle is recognised for his exceptional defensive abilities, earning NBA All-Defensive Second Team honours in 2021 and 2022.

Mark Bradtke: A native of Noarlunga, South Australia, Bradtke had a brief stint with the 76ers during the 1996–1997 NBA season. He appeared in 36 games, averaging 1.6 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. Bradtke was primarily known for his successful career in Australia's National Basketball League (NBL).

Jonah Bolden: Born in Melbourne, Victoria, Bolden was drafted by the 76ers in the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft. He played for Philadelphia from 2018 to 2020, participating in 48 games and averaging 4.4 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. Bolden was known for his athleticism and defensive potential.

History of the Philadelphia 76ers

Founded as the Syracuse Nationals in 1946, the franchise competed in the National Basketball League before playing their first official season in the NBA in 1949.

The Nationals won their first NBA championship in 1955 beating the Fort Wayne Pistons in seven games. Over a decade later led by Wilt Chamberlain the 67’ Philadelphia 76ers labelled one of the greatest teams of all time triumphed against the San Francisco Warriors in six games.

In 1983 Julius Erving and Moses Malone led the charge to bring an NBA championship back to the City of Brotherly Love. In dominant fashion the 76ers posted a playoff record of 12-1 on the way to winning their third NBA championship.

In 2001 the Allen Iverson led Philadelphia 76ers fought their way back to the NBA Finals, setting up a matchup with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal’s Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers wrapped up the series in five games on the way to completing an historic three-peat.

Over two decades from their last Finals appearance the 76ers have been an Eastern Conference contender for a few years. Led by 2023 league MVP Joel Embiid, the Sixers have fielded competitive teams which have massively underperformed in the postseason. The 76ers are continuing to search for the recipe to success and overcome the hurdles they have faced in the postseason.

Identity

The 76ers' identity is deeply tied to Philadelphia's revolutionary history, reflected in their name, logo, and "City of Brotherly Love" ethos. On the court, the team has historically been known for star power and innovative play.

With Embiid as the cornerstone, the 76ers employ an inside-out offense that generates open looks for shooters. Defensively, they leverage Embiid's rim protection while emphasising perimeter pressure. But Joel Embiid's load management continues to spark debate, balancing his MVP-level performance with frequent rest to avoid injuries and ensure long-term health, especially as the 76ers aim for deep playoff runs.

The 76ers have cultivated a scrappy, underdog mentality reflective of Philadelphia itself. "Trust The Process" became a rallying cry during their rebuild, symbolising patience and long-term vision.

Five Fast Facts

1. The team's name references the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
2. The 76ers won four awards in 2001 (MVP, Sixth man, Defensive Player of the Year and Coach of the Year award)
3. The 76ers posted the worst record in NBA history (9-73) in 1972-73.
4. Allen Iverson's "practice" rant is one of the most famous press conferences ever.
5. "The Process" rebuild (2013-2016) was one of the most controversial strategies in NBA history.

Club Timeline

• 1946: Franchise founded as Syracuse Nationals
• 1963: Team moves to Philadelphia, renamed 76ers
• 1967: Win NBA championship led by Wilt Chamberlain
• 1983: Capture third title with Moses Malone and Julius Erving
• 2001: Allen Iverson leads team to NBA Finals
• 2013: Begin "The Process" rebuild under Sam Hinkie
• 2023: Joel Embiid wins NBA MVP award

The 2025 version of the 76ers is a work in progress, with ongoing injuries hindering chemistry and development. Heading into 2025/26, the priority is simple: get their stars on the court together. While they may not be back to contender status yet, next season will hopefully be a signal of the franchise’s path to improvement. As the championship window with talented big Joel Embiid grows smaller and smaller, the Sixers are hoping to finally break the cycle of early playoff exits and advance their hopes in the coming years.