Goodbye 2025-2026 Philadelphia 76ers

Credit (NBA) After upsetting the Celtics in the first round, the Sixers ' Cinderella story has ended.

In doing our end-of-season reviews. The Philadelphia 76ers had a bounce-back season. If we take a trip down memory lane, they were supposed to be a contender a year ago. They were a bad team last season, and so coming into the season, there were likely middle-of-the-road expectations for this team. The 76ers actually outdid themselves in the regular season, upsetting Boston in round one and then getting manhandled by the Knicks in that order. I have three questions for the 76ers as they enter the offseason to see where they are going.

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1. Will they remain committed to the big three?

The 76ers will go far as their star trio takes them in Tyrese, Joel, and Paul. Let's be honest, in the second apron era, big threes are as ancient as hell. Tyrese Maxey is the star they should build around going forward, considering he is in his prime. That leaves Paul George, remember, he was supposed to be the piece to help them get over their injuries and declining stardom. Joel Embiid can still be a good player, yet given his age and salary, along with the injury issues, one has to wonder whether the front office tries to keep it going or go the Phoenix Suns route from last offseason.

2. What will they do with the roster?

The 76ers will have some interesting questions this offseason. In looking at key free agents, they have our favorite journeyman, Kelly Oubre, and Quinton Grimes. They could bring back those two yet, as we all know, improving their depth could be limited, so they might have to settle for ''who he plays for'' guys. They also have a first-round pick, which might be useful for a future good player in a historically talented draft. Improving their depth around the star trio is probably the front office's biggest goal.

3. Future outlook for next season?

For the 76ers, they have their key players back on the roster for next season. Tyerese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe give them a duo to build around. The present still belongs to Paul George and Joel Embiid, which gives them a chance on paper. A lot will depend on what they do this offseason with their roster, but they almost certainly will run it back. Are they a title contender next season? Probably not, yet will likely be good enough to contend for a playoff spot.