The Philadelphia 76ers may have exited the 2025-26 playoffs in the second round at the hands of the New York Knicks, but the conversation in the City of Brotherly Love is already shifting toward the future. While the team appears to be transitioning toward a younger core led by Tyrese Maxey and rookie standout VJ Edgecombe, veterans Joel Embiid and Paul George remain central to the Sixers' identity on the court.
Paul George, now two years into the four-year deal he signed in the summer of 2024, finished the season on a high note after serving a 25-game suspension. The nine-time All-Star reminded everyone why he was one of the most coveted free agents in recent memory, showcasing the versatile, two-way play that defined his prime. Simply put, George proved he still has plenty left in the tank.
As the Sixers look to build toward next season, the spotlight inevitably falls on the growing chemistry between George and Embiid. The two stars have been working to find their rhythm together, and George offered an optimistic assessment of their progress.
"I thought we played great out of the pick-and-roll," George said. "With him, he needs spacers—guys who can be shot-ready and pull the trigger around him. The more I was on the floor with him, the more opportunities we created off his post-ups."
The numbers back up George's confidence. He shot a scorching 49.3% from three-point range in the playoffs and connected on 42.1% of his deep attempts in the final 10 games of the regular season after returning from suspension. If that level of shooting carries into next season, it adds a dangerous new dimension to Philadelphia's offense.
When defenses load up on Embiid in the post, the reigning MVP can kick the ball out to a hot-handed George on the perimeter. Alternatively, the Sixers can put the ball in George's hands and let him orchestrate the two-man game with the big fella, creating mismatches and opening up the floor.
"He was confident, and I gave him the ability to at least attempt to play one-on-one," George added. "I know teams are still going to trap him or send doubles, but for the most part, he got a chance to operate from the post. Yeah, I thought our chemistry grew in pick-and-roll situations."
As the Sixers head into the offseason with several roster priorities to address, one thing is clear: the Embiid-George partnership is still evolving—and it could be the key to unlocking Philadelphia's championship aspirations.