The Philadelphia 76ers entered the 2024-25 NBA season with championship expectations—but instead, they’ve crashed and burned, sitting at 11th in the Eastern Conference (20-33) and riding a four-game losing streak.
With a roster featuring Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey, Philly was supposed to be a top contender. Instead, they might not even make the Play-In Tournament.
Sixers legend and Hall of Famer Charles Barkley didn’t hold back when calling out his former team.
“The Sixers are not close to winning a championship… He [Embiid] hasn’t even started that new extension yet. That’s the thing that could ruin the Sixers franchise for the next decade.” (via 97.5 The Fanatic)
Joel Embiid’s Contract: A Massive Concern?
Embiid, the 2023 NBA MVP, has struggled with injuries once again, appearing in just 17 games this season.
His production is still elite when healthy:
✔ 24.9 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.0 BPG
✔ 45.4% FG / 33.3% 3PT
However, his long-term health and contract situation could be a disaster for Philly’s future.
Joel Embiid’s Salary Through 2029:
📅 2024-25: $51.4M
📅 2025-26: $55.2M
📅 2026-27: $59.5M
📅 2027-28: $64.3M
📅 2028-29: $69.0M
Combine that with Paul George’s contract, and the Sixers are committing over $100M per year to two aging stars.
Paul George + Joel Embiid Combined Salary:
📅 2024-25: $100.6M
📅 2025-26: $106.9M
📅 2026-27: $113.7M
📅 2027-28: $120.9M
If Embiid’s health continues to be an issue, this contract could cripple the franchise for the next decade—just like Barkley warned.
What’s Next for the Sixers?
With Embiid ruled out against the Brooklyn Nets, the Sixers will have to find a way to snap their losing streak without him.
Their next game after Brooklyn is a tough matchup vs. the Boston Celtics on February 20.
Key Questions Moving Forward:
- Can the Sixers still salvage their season?
- Will Embiid ever stay healthy enough to justify his contract?
- Is this team’s championship window already closed?
At this rate, Philadelphia is looking more like a lottery team than a title contender.
Is Barkley right? Has the Sixers’ future already been ruined?
