After looking like one of the most promising teams in the league just a few years ago, the Philadelphia 76ers have certainly had their issues as of late.
Once heralded for the “process,” the 76ers have been in a downward spiral. Losing seasons led to multiple high draft picks, including two No. 1 overall selections.
76ers’ Rollercoaster Run Bottomed Out Last Season
However, after finishing with losing records from the 2012-2013 season through the 2016-2017 season, the 76ers, behind star center Joel Embiid, had a 52-30 record during the 2017-2018 season and earned a first-round playoff victory over the Miami Heat before falling to the Boston Celtics in the second round.
The 76ers not only had Embiid, but 2018 Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons. The next season, the 76ers again made it to the second round before losing a heartbreaking seven-game series to the eventual champion Toronto Raptors.
The 76ers made the playoffs in each of the next five seasons but were never able to advance beyond the second round despite an MVP season from Embiid in the 2023-2024 season and a Most Improved Player Award for guard Tyrese Maxey in the 2024-2025 campaign.
We all know how things have gone for Simmons. Meanwhile, another 76ers’ top overall pick, point guard Markelle Fultz, despite a few flashes with the Magic in Orlando, is barely hanging on to his career.
It all culminated in a 24-58 record last season, ending Philadelphia’s run of seven straight postseason appearances.
The 76ers hope to improve upon that season with a healthy Embiid – he played in just 39 games during the 2023-2024 season and just 19 this past season – and the addition of third overall pick, Baylor guard V.J. Edgecombe, who had an outstanding Summer League debut, scoring 28 points.
To help the development of their younger players and provide a veteran presence, the 76ers have brought back a six-time All-Star and former NBA Champion.
Philadelphia 76ers Bring Back Veteran Guard Kyle Lowry
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the 76ers have agreed to a one-year deal with Kyle Lowry.
Free agent guard Kyle Lowry has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Philadelphia 76ers, Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN. The 2019 champion is back for his 20th NBA season – and a third consecutive year with his hometown 76ers. pic.twitter.com/6Wnw3S9TT3
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 7, 2025
Lowry was waived after being traded by the Miami Heat to the Charlotte Hornets in January 2024 and signed with the 76ers. He re-signed with the club before last season.
Lowry was initially drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2006 and was dealt to the Houston Rockets in 2009. He was dealt to the Toronto Raptors in 2012. He became an All-Star during the 2014-2015 season and help the Raptors to a championship in 2019 before leaving for the Heat and a three-year, $85 million contract via a sign-and-trade.
Lowry, who will turn 40 in March, averaged just 3.9 points, 2.7 assists and 1.9 rebounds in 18.8 minutes per game over 35 games last season.
Lowry obviously isn’t an All-Star caliber player any longer. However, he could provide veteran leadership the 76ers need as they potentially begin another rebuilding phase, with the health of Embiid and other key pieces likely to be the primary determinant of whether that transpires.
