Look, being a Sixers fan is basically a full-time job in emotional management. You’ve spent years hearing about "The Process," watching Daryl Morey play salary cap Tetris, and praying Joel Embiid’s knees don't decide to retire before the playoffs start. But as we sit here in mid-January 2026, the Philadelphia 76ers basketball roster looks... different. It’s not just the star power. It’s the weird, fascinating blend of "win-now" desperation and "who is that kid?" youth that makes this group one of the most volatile in the league.
Honestly, the 2025-26 season has been a bit of a rollercoaster. Currently sitting with a record around 22-18, the team is fighting for a top-four seed in a top-heavy Eastern Conference.
The Big Three (and the Big "If")
Everything starts and ends with Joel Embiid. That’s the law in Philly. But the reality is that Embiid has only suited up for 19 games so far this season. The team is being ultra-cautious, managing a left knee that seems to have a mind of its own and some recent groin soreness. When he's out there, he's still a monster—averaging roughly 23.5 points and 7 rebounds—but he isn't moving with that same MVP-level burst we saw a couple of years ago.
Then there’s Tyrese Maxey. Maxey is the engine now. He’s leading the team with a massive 30.9 points per game. He’s basically the fastest human in the state of Pennsylvania and the only reason the Sixers aren't bottom-feeders when Embiid sits.
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And don't forget the new veteran in town: Paul George. At 35, George was brought in to be the ultimate floor spacer and secondary creator. He’s been solid, but like Embiid, he’s dealing with "left knee injury management." It’s sort of the theme for the roster: world-class talent, questionable durability.
Breaking Down the 2025-26 Sixers Depth Chart
If you’re looking at the Philadelphia 76ers basketball roster today, the names might surprise you. Morey didn't just go for stars; he filled the bench with some interesting gambles.
The Backcourt
- Tyrese Maxey: The untouchable franchise cornerstone.
- Kyle Lowry: The 39-year-old Villanova legend is still here, somehow. He’s the veteran "coach on the floor" that Nick Nurse trusts in crunch time.
- Jared McCain: The rookie out of Duke has been a revelation. His shooting is legit, and the Sixers already exercised his team option for next year.
- Eric Gordon: Another vet presence who can still heat up from deep, even at 37.
- Quentin Grimes: This is the name to watch. As of January 15, 2026, he’s officially trade-eligible. He’s on a one-year qualifying offer, which gives him a de facto no-trade clause, but he's a prime candidate for a late-season shuffle if the right deal comes along.
The Wings and Forwards
- Paul George: The $51 million man. When healthy, he changes the entire geometry of the offense.
- Kelly Oubre Jr.: Still the team’s best energy guy. He’s providing that much-needed slashing and defensive versatility.
- VJ Edgecombe: The highly-touted rookie. He’s making over $11 million this year and brings a level of athleticism the Sixers have lacked for years.
- Justin Edwards: An undrafted find who has carved out a role as a 3-and-D prospect.
The Bigs
- Joel Embiid: The sun at the center of the solar system.
- Andre Drummond: Back for his second stint in Philly. He’s a rebounding machine and essential for those nights when Joel is in street clothes.
- Adem Bona: The young center from UCLA. He’s raw, but his energy in the paint is exactly what Nick Nurse wants in a backup.
Money Matters: The Salary Cap Crunch
Daryl Morey is currently staring at a total payroll of about $194.8 million. That puts the Sixers about $7 million over the luxury tax line. They aren't in the "Second Apron" danger zone yet—they've got about $12.9 million of breathing room there—but they are definitely feeling the squeeze.
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Because they are over the tax line, they have to be careful. They can't just go out and sign every veteran buyout candidate who hits the market. They are looking at an estimated tax bill of roughly $7.3 million. For an owner like Josh Harris, that's fine if it results in a parade, but it’s a lot of money for a 7th seed.
The Trade Deadline Fever
With the trade deadline approaching in February, the Philadelphia 76ers basketball roster is far from settled. Morey has already hinted that he wants to be aggressive.
The biggest question is Quentin Grimes. Because he took a qualifying offer, if he gets traded, the team that gets him doesn't get his "Bird Rights." That makes him a "rental" in the truest sense of the word. Unless a team really thinks he’s the missing piece for a ring, he might stay put.
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But keep an eye on names like Dominick Barlow or Jabari Walker. The Sixers have been shuffling their two-way contracts, looking for that one diamond in the rough who can play 15 minutes of playoff basketball without being a liability.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Roster
The biggest misconception is that the Sixers are "failing" because they aren't the #1 seed. The reality? They are 10-6 in games without Embiid. That’s actually incredible.
In years past, if Embiid missed a week, the team went 0-4 and the sky fell. This version of the roster is more resilient. Tyrese Maxey has evolved from a sidekick into a genuine superstar who can carry a mediocre supporting cast to wins. Paul George, even at half-speed, draws double teams that open up the floor for guys like Jared McCain and VJ Edgecombe.
How the Sixers Move Forward
If you're following the Philadelphia 76ers basketball roster, here is what you need to track over the next month:
- The 65-Game Rule: Joel Embiid needs to play to stay eligible for post-season awards, but the Sixers don't care about awards. Watch if they shut him down for longer stretches to ensure he’s 100% for April.
- The Grimes Decision: Does Morey move him for a more traditional power forward? The team is 25th in rebounding, and they desperately need size next to Embiid.
- The "Barlow" Conversion: Expect the Sixers to convert Dominick Barlow’s two-way contract to a standard NBA deal soon to fill their final roster spot.
- Buyout Market Constraints: Since they are over the first apron, they can't sign any buyout player who was previously making more than the non-taxpayer mid-level exception (about $14 million). This limits their options to veteran minimum guys.
The 2026 Sixers aren't the "Process" anymore. They are a high-stakes gamble on three stars and a bunch of kids who can shoot. It’s messy, it’s expensive, and it’s very Philadelphia. Whether it works depends entirely on a few square inches of cartilage in Joel Embiid's knee.