By: Kylan Watson

The Philadelphia 76ers started the biggest offseason in franchise history with a bang early this morning. As they signed Paul George to a four-year 212-million dollar deal, and secured the third star that was promised along side Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. With the acquisition of George this is the biggest free agency signing of the Joel Embiid era in Philly.

Acquiring George gives the Sixers a third star who’s game fits next to Embiid and Maxey. Additionally, they now have a dependable wing defender who can score that they have been missing all of these years. He averaged 22.6 points per game, made 47.1% from the field, and made 41.3% of his three-pointers. With that three-point percentage he would have been a top-four three-point shooter last season in Philly. George gives the Sixers a reliable shooter who can create their own shot as well. They needed a player who is not scared of the moment and George is someone who fits that. In addition, bringing him to Philadelphia gives the Sixers the best scoring big three in the league (83.3 points per game). If their averages stay at or above their totals from last season then the big three of Embiid, Maxey and George will be a nightmare for opposing teams. It also makes the Sixers a legitimate title contender in the loaded Eastern Conference.

The only knock-on George is that he cannot stay healthy, he only played in 74 games for the Los Angeles Clippers last year. However, if he can stay healthy and build chemistry with Maxey and Embiid this will be a scoring punch that will be unmatched in the association. George as a dependable second or third option depending on the game should help the Sixers close games. He scored 465 points in the fourth quarter last season, which put him in eighth place in the league just ahead of his teammate Maxey who was in ninth place. With him on the floor the Sixers now have the veteran leadership that should help them in tough contests.

When Daryl Morey sold the Sixers and their fans on waiting for that third superstar who would help them in their pursuit of a chip. Many people were skeptical if this would happen, but with George coming in the third superstar is now in Philly. Also, the Sixers were  able to re-sign Kelly Oubre Jr., reacquire Andre Drummond, and sign Eric Gordon and that happened within the first two days of the free agency period. Morey will need to continue to maximize this roster around Embiid, Maxey, and George to put this team over the top. If he can add more shooters and defenders to this roster, then it can really be a championship contender. Right now, on paper the Sixers are a top two team in the Eastern Conference and should contend for a title in October.

The front office has done their part and still have some work to do, but it is now up to Embiid, Maxey, and George to secure a championship parade down Broad Street in the next two-four years.