Sixers head coach Nick Nurse became increasingly nihilistic by the end of the first-round series against the New York Knicks, but his impact was otherwise felt up and down the roster this year.
Joel Embiid averaged more than a point per minute this season and might have cruised to his second straight MVP had he met the NBA’s new 65-game minimum requirement. James Harden’s departure opened the door for Tyrese Maxey to flourish as the Sixers’ starting point guard, and he seized the opportunity with his first All-Star nod and the NBA’s Most Improved Player award.