Three reasons why the 76ers may be legit contenders in the East

The Philadelphia 76ers are undefeated after their first four games to start the 2025-2026 NBA season, and it's fair to say they're already a threat in the Eastern Conference. 

Some will point out that the season is too young, that it's impossible to say for certain if the 76ers' hot start will continue on past the initial crop of games, but there's enough here to assume they will.

The team is stocked with talent, young and old alike. They may end up melding into the perfect storm of events for other teams to worry about. It's likely they'll hang around and make a case for the East, and these are the three biggest reasons why they could find success.

1. Tyrese Maxey's evolution

As of press time, Tyrese Maxey is leading the league in scoring with 37.5 points, while contributing 8.3 assists per game. He's come into his own and is doing it on wild efficiency. Currently, he's hitting over 50% of his threes, a number he won't be able to sustain, but it is an example of how Maxey's game has improved. He's improved his three-point stroke from the prior season, when he shot just 33%. 

He's showing growth and development as the primary focus of the team that we weren't seeing when the focus was on George and Embiid. At this rate, Maxey may become the best player in the league and could finally lead the 76ers to another NBA championship.

2. VJ Edgecombe's arrival

All eyes were on Cooper Flagg coming out of the draft, but the arrival of VJ Edgecombe to Philadelphia has turned the East on its head. His numbers to start the season are great. He's currently averaging 22.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game, all while being Maxey's running buddy. The two have opened up a whole new offensive attitude for the 76ers that they've lacked the last few seasons.

Now with two threats from three that teams have to focus on, other players will get more time, especially with how much the pair find other players for opportunities. On their own, they're averaging close to 14 assists between the pair of them. That'll help get others involved in the offense on nights they struggle. Edgecombe's numbers will dip as the season goes on, but his impact should (hopefully) stay relatively consistent.

3. Joel Embiid and Paul George not fully available

It may seem odd to say that the lack of playing time for Joel Embiid (minutes restriction) and Paul George (recovery from left knee surgery) is a key reason why the Philadelphia 76ers are on a roll, but it's pretty obvious that they're not hurting without their key veterans. They'll need George, who hasn't played yet this season, back on the court eventually. However, he is also halfway to 36. Embiid is approaching 32 and is limited to start the year. You also have to take into account their history of physical health.

They've taken a beating, and it's very unlikely either will return to elite form ever again. Neither man is consistently healthy anymore, and the ability to allow other players the opportunity to lead the team without worrying about touches for either man has allowed the 76ers to blossom. 

If Embiid and George can accept more limited roles in favor of Maxey and Edgecombe, this team may truly be dangerous, but if they can't, they may implode the whole thing.