Sixers Ready to Chase Larry O’Brien Trophy in New Season

CAMDEN, N.J. — The Philadelphia 76ers are set to begin another chase for the Larry O’Brien trophy in the upcoming season. After a difficult 2024-25 season where nothing went right, the Sixers are moving forward with renewed optimism.

There is good reason for this optimism. The Sixers are hungry to erase the memories of last year. With a healthier roster and new additions, players like Kelly Oubre Jr. see potential in this team. “I think we’re all just locked in, man,” Oubre said during practice on Tuesday. “We all have that chip on our shoulder and those voices in the back of our head about the disappointment from last year. So it’s just going out there and winning—and playing the right way to create our identity each and every night.”

What kind of identity will the 2025-26 Sixers develop? For head coach Nick Nurse, it’s all about pace. He wants the team to use their athleticism to their advantage. Players like Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe should look to run on every opportunity while maintaining a rugged edge. “Hard-nosed, rugged, physical, athletic, versatile,” Oubre added. “Those are some things I could think of off the top of my head, but we got to continue to just build habits each and every day.”

Implementing this style of play will begin in training camp, according to Oubre. “Coming in, showing up, going hard,” he explained. “Nurse has been putting us through the wringer, and I think we all came out on top. We’ll see if we’re ready tomorrow for opening night, but I’m confident in our group right now.”

As Nurse and his coaching staff set the tone for the team culture, Oubre noted the players’ eagerness during practice. “First day back in town after Labor Day, you kind of got the gist like, ‘Oh, we’re flying now,’ you know what I mean?” Oubre laughed. “So, yeah, dude, it’s like going to the test track, and then the car is just going 20 more miles per hour.”

Opening night is set for Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. EDT from the TD Garden in Boston.