The Philadelphia 76ers find themselves at a crossroads. Sitting at 30-23 with the regular season winding down, they’re still in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff picture - but the margin for error is shrinking.
The timing couldn’t be worse to lose a key rotation piece, yet that’s exactly where the Sixers are after the 25-game suspension of Paul George. And with no reinforcements added at the trade deadline, the team’s depth is being pushed to its limits.
Now, let’s be clear: players like Paul George don’t just fall out of the sky. A 6'9" wing with elite defensive instincts, smooth shot-making, and the ability to stretch the floor?
That’s the kind of two-way archetype every team dreams of - and very few actually have. So when George was sidelined, it wasn’t just about losing a star.
It was about losing a unique piece that no one else on this roster can truly replicate.
At the moment, Philly holds the sixth seed in the East. They’ve got a bit of cushion from the Play-In zone, but not enough to feel secure.
That means the pressure only intensifies for Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey - both of whom have carried the offensive load with remarkable poise this season. But as the grind of the schedule wears on, especially for rookie VJ Edgecombe, who’s logging more minutes and games than ever before, the Sixers will need more than just their stars to hold the line.
This is where the supporting cast needs to rise. And two names stand out as players who can help bridge the gap in George’s absence: Kelly Oubre and Quentin Grimes. Neither is a perfect substitute - George is a rare blend of skill and size - but both bring tools that, if maximized, can help keep Philly afloat until he returns.
Kelly Oubre: The Athletic Stand-In
When it comes to physical profile, Oubre is the closest thing the Sixers have to George. He’s long, explosive, and covers ground quickly - both laterally and vertically.
That athleticism can help close some of the defensive gap, where George’s instincts and timing are elite. Oubre may not have the same polished skill set, but he’s capable of being a disruptive defender when locked in.
Offensively, think of Oubre as a “Paul George lite.” He’s not going to draw the same gravity as a shooter, nor does he have George’s off-the-dribble craft or vision as a passer.
But he can do a little of everything - spot up, slash, finish in transition - and if the rest of the offense is humming, his increased usage can be a net positive. The key is efficiency.
If Oubre can stay within himself and pick his spots, he can give the Sixers a much-needed lift on both ends.
Quentin Grimes: The Defensive Spark Plug
Grimes is a different case. He’s not going to match George’s size or versatility, but in terms of replicating some of the skill set - especially on the perimeter - he’s got the tools.
On his best nights, Grimes is a knockdown shooter who competes hard defensively. The problem?
Those nights haven’t come consistently enough.
That’s the challenge now. With George out, Grimes has to find a rhythm and stay in it.
Last season, we saw flashes of what he can be when he’s confident and locked in - a reliable 3-and-D wing who doesn’t need the ball to make an impact. That’s exactly what Philly needs from him now.
When Grimes isn’t engaged, he tends to disappear. George, even when his shot isn’t falling, always finds ways to contribute.
That’s the bar Grimes needs to reach: be present, be active, and let the offense come to you.
The Road Ahead
The Sixers have been in more close games than they probably should be at this stage of the season. And without George, those games are only going to get tighter. It’s going to take a full-team effort to weather this stretch - not just from the stars, but from the role players who now find themselves in the spotlight.
Oubre and Grimes won’t be asked to be Paul George. But if they can channel pieces of what he brings - the defensive energy, the floor spacing, the versatility - it could be enough to keep the Sixers in the hunt. Because in a crowded Eastern Conference, every possession, every rotation, and every contribution matters.
And until George is back, Philly’s playoff hopes may rest on how well these two can rise to the moment.