Sixers Odds Shift After Signing Paul George

It didn't take long for the Philadelphia 76ers to make a big splash in NBA free agency. Less than 12 hours after the signing period opened, it was announced that Paul George agreed to a four-year, $212 million deal with Philly. The nine-time All-Star spent the last five years with the Clippers where he only made it past the second round once.

Now, playing alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, the expectation is that this 76ers roster will compete for a championship.

Title Odds Shift with George and the Sixers

According to BetMGM, the Sixers were +1400 to win the NBA Final before George was acquired. They now sit at +800 to win the NBA Championship, tied with the Thunder for the third shortest odds behind the Celtics (+300) and Nuggets (+750). Philly also moved from +650 to +400 to win the East, sitting behind the Celtics (+125) and Knicks (+375).

The addition of George gives the Sixers another offensive threat next to Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. He can be relied on as a primary scorer when Embiid is out of the game and his three-point shooting will help spread the floor when playing alongside the big man. George is also a great defensive player, which is something the Sixers will need on the perimeter now that Tobias Harris has signed with the Pistons.

Adding George isn't the only move the Sixers have made since free agency opened. They brought in former Bulls center Andre Drummond as a reliable backup for Embiid. He didn't see a ton of playing time in Chicago but was extremely productive in his limited role, especially on the boards, which is something Philly was looking to add in its second unit.

The Sixers also brought in veteran guard Eric Gordon who spent last season with the Suns. Gordon is a 3-point specialist, shooting 37.8% from deep last season.

In addition to George, Drummond and Gordon, GM Daryl Morey inked Tyrese Maxey to a new five-year, $204 million extension and Kelly Oubre Jr. to a two-year, $16.3 million contract.

Betting On The Sixers In 2023-24

On paper, the Sixers are not only good enough to win the East but they have the personnel to compete for a title. However, the biggest threat to their title hopes isn't another team, it's themselves.

George, who has had his fair share of injuries, spent the last five seasons playing alongside Kawhi Leonard who is another injury-prone player. Over the last three seasons, the Clippers missed the playoffs once and failed to make it out of the first round twice. Essentially, George is leaving one injury-riddled player (Leonard) to join another injury-riddled player (Embiid).

If George and Embiid are able to stay healthy for the entire season, they should find postseason success, but I'm not willing to bet on it.