76ers' gigantic problem nobody is discussing will haunt them

Over a year after the promising signing of Paul George, the Philadelphia 76ers' potential has been undermined by injuries, exposing a critical lack of roster depth. This deficiency remains unaddressed and poses a serious long-term threat, as the team has few reliable contributors for postseason play beyond its stars.

Philadelphia's depth concerns center on veterans Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, and Kyle Lowry—all expected to play significant minutes despite being well past their primes. These players are unlikely suited for a 2025 playoff rotation but will inevitably be called upon when injuries occur, which is a near certainty given the team's composition.

The core vulnerability stems from the injury histories of stars Joel Embiid and Paul George. Embiid faces recurring knee issues, while George (now 35) missed half of last season. With both unlikely to stay healthy through an 82-game season and extended playoffs, the depth players become essential to the team's plan, not merely emergency backups.

However, these reserves lack the capability to sustain the team. Drummond struggles defensively in space, Lowry becomes ineffective when his shot falters, and Gordon's peak performance is long gone. They are better suited as locker-room mentors or blowout-game insurance than reliable replacements for injured stars.

In a competitive Eastern Conference, this fragility could prove disastrous. Even with rivals like the Celtics and Pacers facing injuries, the 76ers' thin margin for error means one injury could force them into lineups incapable of generating offense or securing stops.

While the front office still has time to address these issues, the current roster remains dangerously top-heavy. A team with this level of talent should not be so vulnerable, and without refinement, the outlook remains concerning.