The Philadelphia 76ers’ 2026 playoff run was marked by one of the more stunning upsets in recent memory. They shocked the Boston Celtics in seven games in the first round at TD Garden, making it feel like their championship moment. However, that brief celebration quickly evaporated, as the New York Knicks handed them a swift and decisive 4-0 sweep in the second round. Now, with a disappointed fanbase and uncertain future, the 76ers are left with difficult questions, both for their real-life team and for fantasy managers.
Here’s a look back at the 76ers’ season and what fantasy managers should expect moving forward:
76ers’ Backcourt: The Present and the Future
Tyrese Maxey has firmly entrenched himself as a first-round fantasy pick for next season. Maxey has become the driving force behind Philadelphia’s offense, and his fantasy value reflects that. He finished sixth in High Score and fifth in 9-cat leagues, easily surpassing his 18th overall ADP. What makes Maxey particularly valuable is his consistent availability combined with top-tier production. In 70 games this season, Maxey posted career-highs in minutes, points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks, while shooting 37% from three and an impressive 89% from the free-throw line. His all-around game has made him one of the most reliable fantasy guards at just 25 years old, and he’s well-positioned to continue that success moving forward.
VJ Edgecombe, the third pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, emerged as one of the top fantasy pickups of the season after a stellar rookie campaign. Ranked 74th in High Score and 57th in 9-cat leagues, Edgecombe was far ahead of his 121st preseason ADP. Even more remarkable, he was undrafted in 57% of fantasy leagues, making him one of the biggest surprises of the season. With his promising potential, Edgecombe is expected to see his draft stock soar in 2027, likely being taken in the sixth or seventh round as his shooting improves and his role continues to grow.
Aging Stars with Expensive Commitments
Joel Embiid remains one of the most high-risk, high-reward players in fantasy basketball. While Embiid showed flashes of his MVP-caliber self in the playoffs, including a dominant performance that helped the 76ers upset Boston in the first round, his availability is a consistent concern. Embiid played in only 38 regular-season games, and his injury history makes him a perennial headache for fantasy managers. With his 46th overall ADP this season, it seems likely that his stock will drop even further heading into next season. Though he can be an elite fantasy option when healthy, his injury history and limited games make him a gamble, especially with other players like Kawhi Leonard proving that aging stars can still bounce back.
Paul George is another aging star with expensive commitments. The 36-year-old George finished 72nd in High Score on a per-game basis and 31st in 9-cat leagues, but his fantasy value is fading fast. George missed 25 games this season due to a suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy, which he attributed to an issue with his medication. Regardless of the reason, George’s body continues to break down. He admitted that he’s focused on trying to regain his former explosive play, which doesn’t bode well for his future fantasy production. Averaging 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists on just 43% shooting this season, George no longer provides the value he once did. As such, I wouldn’t draft him inside the top 75 next season, as his injuries and declining performance aren’t worth the cost.
What’s Next for the 76ers and Fantasy Managers?
The 76ers’ future in both real life and fantasy basketball is filled with uncertainty. Maxey and Edgecombe represent the bright future of the franchise, but the team’s aging stars, including Embiid and George, raise significant concerns for the future. For fantasy managers, this means taking a hard look at the 76ers’ roster and making calculated decisions based on players’ long-term outlooks. Maxey is poised to remain a top-tier option, while Edgecombe could quickly become a steal in future drafts. However, the risk around Embiid and George is too significant to overlook, and they may fall further in drafts next season as a result of their injury histories and declining performances.
