Sixers Staying the Course: Why Daryl Morey Is Betting on Philly’s Core to Deliver
CAMDEN, N.J. - With the All-Star break looming and the postseason picture slowly coming into focus, the Philadelphia 76ers are doubling down on the core they’ve assembled - and they’re not shy about it.
Joel Embiid. Tyrese Maxey.
Rookie VJ Edgecombe. Paul George.
That’s the four-man nucleus Daryl Morey, the Sixers’ President of Basketball Operations, believes can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the East. And even with George sidelined until March 25 as he serves a 25-game suspension, the Sixers are holding firm.
They didn’t make a move at the trade deadline. Not because they weren’t active - but because they didn’t see anything out there worth breaking up what they believe is a title-contending group.
“With the hesitation that in the NBA, things happen, we have some players who are as close to untouchable as you might have in this league in Tyrese, Joel, VJ, Paul,” Morey said. “We like our core. We really think it’s a very good core.”
That’s not just front-office speak. There’s a sense around the team that this group is starting to figure things out.
They’ve weathered adversity - including George’s absence - and still managed to stay competitive. And while some fans may have hoped for a deadline splash, Morey made it clear: unless a move clearly elevated the team, there was no reason to force it.
“We need to prove that on the court, and I think lately, we have been proving it at a higher level,” he added. “But yeah. I’d say we have [players] who are as close as you get to untouchable.”
George’s Return Looms Large
The Sixers will get George back for the final 10 games of the regular season - a critical stretch that could define their seeding and momentum heading into April. And while the nine-time All-Star hasn’t suited up since the suspension began, Morey made it clear George remains a foundational piece of their playoff plans.
“We really like what Paul gives us,” Morey said. “In fact, one of the focuses was whether we could find someone while Paul’s out before he gets back for the last 10 games to step in there.”
But ultimately, the Sixers didn’t see a player on the market who could give them more than what they’re already getting from their current rotation. That includes Dominick Barlow, who’s stepped up in George’s absence and earned the trust of the coaching staff.
Internal Growth Over External Moves
Morey’s approach at the deadline reflects a belief in internal development - especially from players like Barlow, Trendon Watford, and even rookie big man Adem Bona. Head coach Nick Nurse has had to get creative with his lineups, and so far, the results have been encouraging.
“We didn’t see anything that would contribute more than what Barlow’s given us,” Morey said. “Obviously, we’ve been playing different players at that position when Paul’s been out this season.
Watford, you could argue, has played there defensively sometimes. Coach has even gotten creative with lineups with Bona and things like that.”
It’s not just about plugging holes - it’s about building continuity. And Nurse deserves a ton of credit for keeping the team steady through the ups and downs.
“Coach has done a tremendous job taking the pieces he has and putting them in the best situation for us to win,” Morey said. “We’ve been playing pretty good basketball of late... But yeah, we were looking for something that could shore things up while Paul’s out, but we like so much what Barlow’s given us that we didn’t see anything that would hurdle what he’s given us.”
What’s Next?
The Sixers are betting that the best version of this team is still ahead of them - and that when George returns, the full picture will come into focus. With Embiid anchoring the paint, Maxey continuing his rise, and Edgecombe showing flashes of high-level potential, Philly believes it has the firepower to make a run.
Now it’s about staying healthy, staying locked in, and letting the core prove Morey right when it matters most - in the playoffs.