Jan 24, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) high fives guard Tyrese Maxey (0) after scoring during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images The NBA Finals are set, with the Oklahoma City Thunder taking on the Indiana Pacers in the first week of June.
Every season, 30 teams tip off with hopes of winning the championship. But every season, only one team gets to hoist the coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy — leaving plenty of losers along the way.
Here are the biggest failures of the 2025 NBA season:
Philadelphia 76ers
NBA news outlet social media managers everywhere posted their own branded “Who is stopping this big three?” graphics of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George after the Sixers acquired the latter in free agency.
But George seemed more interested in podcasting. Embiid played in just 19 games. Maxey was sidelined for the remainder of the season with a finger injury. And the future of this team should be in serious doubt.
Philadelphia finished 24–58. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, its preseason win total was set at 52.5. They didn’t even come close.
Sixers fans can take solace in having the No. 3 overall pick.
Milwaukee Bucks
Apr 29, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during Game 5 of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images The Bucks were eliminated by the Pacers in six games in the first round.
It was a turbulent season. Milwaukee was without All-Star point guard Damian Lillard for an extended period, including the start of the playoffs. But this season was so bad that the Bucks could be left in ruins if Giannis Antetokounmpo decides it’s time to demand a trade.
Losing Antetokounmpo in his prime would be a major blow. Even though they’d receive a substantial haul of young players and picks, the pairing of Lillard and Antetokounmpo was supposed to help the Greek Freak win more than just one ring in Wisconsin.
He’s entering Year 13. He’s been tremendously loyal to Milwaukee. And for whatever reason, Doc Rivers just can’t seem to make things click when it matters most.
Mavericks GM Nico Harrison
Jan 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Portland Trail Blazers general manager Joe Cronin (left) and Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison (right) before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Portland Trail Blazers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports Easy now. I know the bizarre NBA draft lottery bailed him out when the Mavericks were rewarded with the No. 1 overall pick.
But let’s not forget Harrison was the butt of every joke in the sports universe for a solid month immediately following that Luka Dončić trade — which still doesn’t make much sense.
Sure, you’ve got the No. 1 overall pick now. But trading a franchise icon just entering his prime — within the same conference — for an aging, often-injured Anthony Davis never made a lick of sense.
Washington Wizards
Apr 7, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Washington Wizards head coach Brian Keefe calls out instructions to his players during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports The Wizards have been feverishly tanking seemingly ever since the last time John Wall played over half a season, back in 2016.
It’s a roster with little talent, and the NBA draft lottery did them no favors. Washington landed the No. 6 overall pick. What the hell are they going to do with that?
If there’s ever been a team that desperately needs the services of Cooper Flagg, look no further than Washington.
