"Another first-round exit": NBA fans react to Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey's NBA 2K25 rankings

The Philadelphia 76ers have been one of the most active organizations during the offseason with Paul George the latest high-profile addition. Despite boasting a roster littered with All-Stars and talented shooters, there's not much faith in the team going into the 2024/25 season. NBA 2K25's latest rankings show that the Sixers "big three" still have a long way to go to succeed in the East.

The latest rankings have been relased for the popular video game, where Paul George and Tyrese Maxey failed to crack the 90-point barrier. Both players received an 89 rating. Joel Embiid, the league MVP in 2023, is tied alongside Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic as the highest ranked player in the game, with a 98 rating.

NBA fans took to social media to express their feelings on the latest ratings and voiced their concerns regarding the 76ers' latest project.

"Another first-round exit," said one fan.

"Second round exit," predicted another fan.

"98 for embiid is about 18 too much right?" commented one fan.

"Disrespectful hahaha," stated a fan.

After a series of false dawns, it's understandable that fans are not willing to pin all their hopes on a 76ers organization that continues to overpromise and underdeliver year after year.

The Sixer have failed to win the NBA championship since 1983. The franchise hasn't appeared in an NBA finals since Allen Iverson led them to the championship in 2001. In fact, Philadelphia has not even reached the Eastern Conference Finals since 2001.

Philadelphia has an 83 overall rating on NBA 2K25, which makes them the sixth ranked team in the league. The launch rankings could change in the future. The game is set to be released worldwide on Sept. 6.

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Addition of Paul George will create a new "big three" in Philadelphia

Paul George drives to the basket against the Dallas Mavericks during the 2024 NBA playoffs. Photo Credit: Imagn

After a disappointing 4-2 series loss to the New York Knicks in the playoffs last season, the 76ers brought in Paul George to compliment their talented duo of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The addition of the nine-time All-Star on a four-year deal is expected to make Philadelphia one of the favorites in the East.

George, 34, is a complete player who's capable to scoring, passing, dribbling and playing defense at a high level. Over a 14-year NBA career, he has averaged 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.

This is not the first time Philadelphia has entered the season with a big three. Julius Erving, Moses Malone and Andrew Toney led the team to a commanding 4-0 championship win over the LA Lakers in 1983.

After a 23-year championship drought, the 76ers will hope that the addition George can lead to instant success. Their big three will look to emulate the LeBron James-Dwyane Wade-Chris Bosh or Michael Jordan-Scottie Pippen-Dennis Rodman combinations that were so successful.