(Photo by Rob Kim/Getty Images)
Two weeks after the Boston Celtics won the NBA championship, the top of the Eastern Conference has become more competitive in the last few days.
The New York Knicks, who were already considered a rising power this spring, traded for two-way stud Mikal Bridges while re-signing 3-and-D wing OG Anunoby, while the Philadelphia 76ers landed nine-time All-Star forward Paul George.
When combined with the fact that the Indiana Pacers are on the rise and the Miami Heat remain a threat, the race for the Eastern Conference this coming season has suddenly gotten a lot more interesting.
Nick Wright said on Fox Sports 1’s “First Things First” that thanks to George’s arrival, the 76ers are his favorites to win the East — if they stay healthy.
“IF healthy, I like the 76ers the most of anyone in the East. … This feels like a team that can make it to the NBA Finals.”
— @getnickwright on Paul George reportedly agreeing to a 4-yr/$212M max with Philly: pic.twitter.com/e28eAI5CZz
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) July 1, 2024
The Sixers certainly now have a legitimate Big 3 in George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, and of course, Embiid is just a year removed from winning the regular season MVP and his second straight scoring title.
However, the injury bug always seems to be buzzing in the vicinity of the team, and that will be even more true with George on board.
George has been injury-prone over the years, and in five seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, he played in a total of 263 regular season games while appearing in over 56 games in just one season.
When he is healthy, he is still an excellent player on both ends of the floor, and in Philly, there will be less pressure on him, as he will be their third-best player after being the Clippers’ second-best player.
Of course, Embiid has a history of knee injuries, such as the one that limited him to 39 games during the 2023-24 season.
But if Philly does stay relatively healthy, they will be there deep into next May.
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