The Philadelphia 76ers didn't qualify for the 2025 NBA playoffs, largely due to the unavailability of their star players as Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and Joel Embiid struggled to stay healthy in the 2024-25 season.
This is the first time the Sixers missed the playoffs since 2017, snapping their streak of seven straight postseason appearances.
Before the start of the season, many expected the Sixers to be a threat in the playoffs, due to the acquisition of George, who signed a four-year, $212 million contract with them, forming a Big 3 with Maxey and Embiid.
Tyrese Maxey
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey at Wells Fargo Center.
Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
On Tuesday, Maxey had a social media update on X, addressing the fans. The one-time All-Star guard said that Philly fans deserve to root for a team playing in the postseason. He followed it up with a promise to work hard to lead the Sixers back to the playoffs.
"Sixers fans… I love yall! NEVER CHANGE!" he posted.
"Yall deserve to be in the playoffs and we gotta work to get back there for yall!! ð¯ð¯"
The star point guard appeared in 52 games and was constantly on the sidelines due to injury. On April 9, the Sixers ruled him out for the rest of the season due to a lingering right finger sprain.
Maxey was the last star to be shut down for the Sixers before their season ended, while George and Embiid were the first players to suffer season-ending injuries.
With the lack of presence from the star trio, the Sixers finished 13th in the East with a 24-58 record.