Sixers' Paul George discusses growing partnership with Joel Embiid

PHILADELPHIA -- As the Philadelphia 76ers wrapped up the 2025-26 season following a Round 2 loss to the New York Knicks, the focus now is continuing to grow as a team. It feels as if the Sixers are transitioning a bit to being led by Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, but Joel Embiid and Paul George are still a factor on the floor.

George, two years into the 4-year deal he signed in the summer of 2024, was able to end the season strong after returning from his 25-game suspension. He showed the versatile play that made him such a sought-after free agent in that offseason and was able to show that he still has plenty left in the tank.

As the Sixers move forward, he and Embiid will need to continue growing their partnership on the floor.

"I thought we played great out of the pick-and-roll," George said of playing with Embiid. "I think with him, he needs spacers. Guys that can be shot-ready and be ready to pull the trigger around him. So, I think the more I was on the floor with him, the more of his post-ups, those opportunities."

George shot a blistering 49.3% from deep in the playoffs and shot 42.1% from deep in the final 10 games of the regular season after returning from his 25-game suspension. If that shot is going to return at this level, then it adds another dimension to the offense for the Sixers.

When teams load up on Embiid, then he is able to kick it out to George. Philadelphia can also put the ball in George's hands and have him run offense in the two-man game with the big fella and help things move forward.

"He was confident, and I gave him kind of the ability to at least attempt to play one-on-one," George finished. "I know they're still gonna trap him or send doubles, but for the most part, he got a chance to kind of play one-on-one from the post area, but yeah. I thought our chemistry grew in pick-and-roll situations."