Since the Joel Embiid era began with the Philadelphia 76ers, the organization has equipped the big man with several co-stars over the years.
Next season, the Sixers will assemble a trio of Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and former LA Clippers All-Star Paul George. Philly’s attempts to build a championship contender in the past have not been successful, and this time they’re hoping Paul George will make the difference.
George’s signing has been largely praised so far. Recently, former Sixers center Theo Ratliff commented on the Sixers’ summer signings.
It’s safe to say that Ratfliff believes the 76ers made the right move.
“The one thing Paul George does that James Harden didn’t do is play defense,” the former center said. “With the dynamic of having a scorer who has played in an All-Star role for a long time and also knows how to subordinate himself to other All-Stars, I think it’s a great signing because he’s one of those guys that wasn’t the All-American or All-Star when they came into the league. He came from a smaller program like I did out of college. He had to build himself up to become the player he is today. He understands the whole thing. He doesn’t need the ball as much as most stars, like the McDonald’s All-Americans who had the ball their whole career. Those types of guys. He’s a guy that does the utility work and can score baskets at the same time.”
How will Paul George fit in with the Philadelphia 76ers?
Former NBA center @shotblocker42 told @Jumpshot8 And @Mitch_Lawrence PG13 has exactly the attitude and skills the Sixers need. pic.twitter.com/V5i6OGIVWa
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) 24 August 2024
Ratliff did not spend his entire career in Philadelphia, but played twice with the Sixers. After playing three seasons with the Detroit Pistons, Ratliff joined the 76ers for four seasons.
After playing for the Sixers from 1997 to 2001, Ratliff bounced around the team, playing for Atlanta, Portland, Boston, Minnesota and again Detroit. Ratliff appeared in 46 games as a substitute for the 76ers in 2008 and 2009. He finished his final three seasons with the Lakers in San Antonio, Charlotte and LA.
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Despite playing two games for the Sixers, the former center has been able to remain unbiased about his former team’s recent transfers and seems to see no reason to criticize the signing of George.
Signing a dynamic wing player was a priority for the Sixers this summer. Over the course of his career, George was one of the NBA’s most notable forwards, averaging 21 points on 39 percent shooting from beyond the three-point line in nearly 900 games.
The Sixers had plenty of cap space and were more than willing to invest big money in a star if they believed it would significantly increase their chances of winning the championship. On paper, they look better with the addition of George. Daryl Morey’s front office did a good job this summer.
