The Philadelphia 76ers had many questions heading into the 2026 summer. The company made a significant shift by appointing Mike Gansey as President of Basketball Operations following yet another poor playoff elimination.
Since taking charge, Gansey has quickly changed the roster through trades, free agency, and the NBA Draft.
The team’s appearance has definitely changed as a result of the front office’s aggressive strategy.
Whether those actions have been sufficient to return Philadelphia to championship contention is now the more important question.
A Franchise-Altering Trade
The trade for Jaylen Brown in return for Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks was the offseason’s biggest deal.
It was a big move to let go of George, but Brown offers Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey a younger, more resilient, and more athletic two-way presence. He should fit in well with Philadelphia’s core and provide the team with another seasoned postseason performer thanks to his defensive versatility and offensive creativity.
Although the Sixers’ current timeframe aligns better with Brown’s age and style of play, replacing one All-Star with another is never a guarantee of improvement.
Improving the Supporting Cast
Gansey didn’t just make one huge trade throughout the summer. While searching for supplementary players to surround its star trio, Philadelphia has continued to add players who bolster the team’s overall depth. The front management seems to be concentrating on developing a squad with greater adaptability, athleticism, and defensive flexibility rather than pursuing big names at every chance.
That vision is also supported by Labaron Philon’s selection in the first round of the NBA Draft. Although rookies rarely have an immediate impact on contenders, Philon gives Philadelphia another young player to develop and may contribute all season long.
The Sixers seem dedicated to striking a better balance between long-term development and experienced contributors, rather than relying exclusively on senior players.
Questions Still Remain
Philadelphia has a busy offseason, but there is still work to be done.
The organization’s top priority is still health. No matter what changes are made around Joel Embiid, his availability will continue to determine the team’s championship potential. It will be similarly crucial to develop adequate depth to sustain injuries over an 82-game season.
To compete with the best teams in the Eastern Conference, the Sixers must also assess whether their current supporting cast provides sufficient shooting, rebounding, and bench production. Until training camp and the regular season start, such questions probably won’t be addressed.
A Step in the Right Direction
Mike Gansey should be commended for his aggressive behavior in his first offseason as head of the Sixers front office.
Compared to a few weeks ago, the roster appears younger, more athletic, and more equipped to compete on both sides of the court. Philadelphia may not be a finished product, but the team has made significant progress in building a group capable of competing at a high level.
In July, it won’t be clear if Gansey has done enough. The 2026–2027 season will provide that response.
However, the Sixers seem to be moving in a promising new direction based on their current actions.
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Sports journalism student at the University of Oregon covering the Philadelphia 76ers with passion and perspective.
Cooper Hubbard
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