Look, if you’re trying to pin down the Philadelphia 76ers depth chart right now, you’re basically trying to hit a moving target while riding a rollercoaster. It’s chaotic. Between Joel Embiid’s "injury management" schedule and the sudden, meteoric rise of rookie VJ Edgecombe, the rotation Nick Nurse is scribbling on his clipboard in January 2026 looks nothing like what we expected back in October.
Honestly, the "Big Three" era of Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George has been more of a "Big Two-and-a-Half" because of the sheer amount of time guys have spent in the training room. But when they actually play? It's terrifying. We finally saw it click in that overtime thriller against Memphis recently where the trio dropped 85 points. That’s the dream. The reality is usually a bit more... scrambled.
The Starting Five: A Balancing Act
Right now, the starting unit is built around the gravity of Joel Embiid. When he's on the floor, everything changes. He’s currently putting up about 23.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, but it's the rim protection that keeps Philly in the top half of the league defensively.
Next to him, Tyrese Maxey has officially graduated from "promising young star" to "franchise engine." The kid is playing nearly 40 minutes a night. 40! He’s leading the team with 30.5 points and 6.6 assists. He’s the only reason this team didn't crater when the injuries piled up early on.
Then you have the rookie. VJ Edgecombe wasn't supposed to be this essential this fast. But after a summer where he looked like the best athlete in the draft, he’s locked down the starting shooting guard spot, averaging nearly 16 points. He’s the high-flyer this team has lacked since, well, forever.
Rounding out the group is Paul George, who’s basically the ultimate "connector" at this stage of his career, and Dominick Barlow. Barlow starting at the four is the biggest surprise of the 2025-26 season. He’s a "glue guy" who does the dirty work so the stars can shine. However, a recent back injury to Barlow might force Kelly Oubre Jr. back into the starting lineup, which would drastically change the bench's scoring punch.
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The Bench: Scoring vs. Stability
The second unit is where things get interesting (and sometimes a bit messy). Quentin Grimes is basically a sixth starter. Nick Nurse uses him like a Swiss Army knife. If Edgecombe is struggling or PG needs a breather, Grimes is in there. He's averaging 14 points and shooting the lights out.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is the wild card. He started the first 12 games of the season before a nasty LCL sprain sidelined him. Now that he's back, he’s mostly coming off the bench. It gives the Sixers a level of "microwave scoring" that most teams envy. When Oubre is "on," he can win you a quarter by himself.
Behind Embiid, Andre Drummond is still doing Drummond things. He’s grabbing almost 9 rebounds in just 20 minutes of play. He’s the insurance policy. If Embiid sits—which happens a lot—Drummond slides in and the rebounding doesn't drop off a cliff.
The rest of the rotation is a mix of young legs and veteran savvy:
- Jared McCain: The Duke product is finding his way, providing some secondary playmaking.
- Adem Bona: A defensive specialist who is already a fan favorite for his hustle.
- Trendon Watford: Recently back from an adductor injury, he’s a point-forward type who adds a different dimension.
- Kyle Lowry & Eric Gordon: The "Old Guard." They don't play every night, but in a playoff-intensity game, you know Nurse is going to trust them over the rookies.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Rotation
The biggest misconception is that the 76ers are "top-heavy."
People see the max contracts and assume the bench is a wasteland. It’s actually the opposite. This year’s Philadelphia 76ers depth chart is surprisingly deep. Having guys like Justin Edwards and Jabari Walker as "emergency" options shows how much Daryl Morey has prioritized length and versatility.
The real issue isn't talent; it's continuity.
Because Embiid, George, and Oubre have all missed significant time, the Sixers haven't had their "optimal" lineup on the floor for more than a handful of games. They’ve had more starting lineup combinations than almost anyone in the East. It makes them hard to scout, sure, but it also makes their late-game execution look a bit disjointed at times.
How the Rotation Shifts Without Embiid
When Joel sits, the philosophy flips.
Instead of a "crawl into the post" offense, they become a "track meet" team. Maxey pushes the pace to an absurd degree. You’ll see more of Adem Bona in these scenarios because he can run the floor better than Drummond.
The Sixers also tend to go "small" more often in these windows, putting Paul George at the five for short bursts. It’s a gamble, but it spaces the floor and lets Maxey get to the rim without three defenders waiting for him.
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Actionable Insights for Following the 76ers This Season:
- Watch the Injury Reports 2 Hours Before Tip: With Embiid and George on "injury management," the depth chart changes daily. If Barlow is out, expect Oubre to jump into the starting unit, which weakens the bench scoring but boosts the starting wings' athleticism.
- Monitor VJ Edgecombe’s Usage: As the season progresses, his chemistry with Maxey is the ceiling for this team. If he starts taking more of the secondary playmaking duties, it frees up Maxey to be a pure assassin.
- Focus on the "Four" Spot: The power forward position is the most fluid part of the roster. Whether it’s Barlow, Watford, or Jabari Walker, whoever wins those minutes consistently will likely be the x-factor come playoff time.
The 76ers are currently sitting 5th in the East with a 22-17 record. If they can actually stay healthy for a three-week stretch, don't be surprised if they jump into the top three. The talent is there; the luck just needs to catch up.