Philadelphia sports are a city institution, but the infamous passion of fans can be daunting to outsiders. Whether from out of town, state or country — or simply not from a sports household — learning the complex history and culture around Philadelphia sports can be daunting. Luckily, The Triangle has put together the ultimate beginner’s guide for anyone who (at the very least) wants to pretend to have a bare minimum idea of what is going on. Go forth and go birds!

Philadelphia Eagles – NFL

Philly’s NFL team, and 2017 Super Bowl Champions, the Philadelphia Eagles have been a key part of city culture for almost a century. The team is part of the NFC Eastern division, of which they were the 2022 champions under the leadership of current coach Nick Sirianni and current quarterback Jalen Hurts. The 2022 season, however, reached a bitter end as the team lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl LVII final. The team then lost the NFC Eastern division to rivals the Dallas Cowboys last season in 2023, losing out on the Super Bowl in the Wild Card round. The 2023 season culminated in another bittersweet loss as beloved Center Jason Kelce (a name familiar to Swifties everywhere) announced his retirement. The Swiftie roots run deep in the Philadelphia Eagles, as the record-breaking artist and Reading native herself confirmed at her 2023 Lincoln Financial Field stop on the Eras Tour that she was, in fact, an Eagles fan (a fact that might have changed over the last year). The Birds are represented by the beloved mascot Swoop, and play at Lincoln Financial Field in the South Philadelphia stadium district. If you visit Cira Green Park, near campus, Lincoln Financial Field is visible if you look to the south of Center City. 

76ers – NBA

Philadelphia is represented in the National Basketball Association by the historic 76ers. Once home to legends such as Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving and Allen Iverson, the 76ers have found their next generation of superstars through names like Tyrese Maxey and recent Olympic Gold Medalist Joel Embiid. Embiid, a two-time NBA scoring champion, is not only the undoubtable MVP of the current roster, but was the league MVP in 2023. As of 2023, the team has been led by former Coach of the Year Nick Nurse, who notably led the Toronto Raptors to their first league championship in 2019 over Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors. However, it is currently impossible to discuss the Sixers without mention of controversy in the form of a contentious proposal to build a new Center City stadium — “76 Place” — to replace the team’s current home (shared with the Flyers), the Wells Fargo Center. Concerns especially note the proposed stadium’s impact on the neighborhood of Chinatown.

Flyers – NHL

From 1973–74 to 1974-75, the Broad Street Bullies were the back-to-back Stanley Cup Winners, cementing names like Bobby Clarke and Bernie Parent into Philadelphia sports history. However, in 2018, the team made national news not for their prowess, but for the introduction of Gritty — the giant orange team mascot. Gritty swept into Philadelphia with a trail of chaos, with the announcement and reveal of the mascot’s unique appearance even being featured on SNL Weekend Update, where anchor Colin Jost claimed Gritty to be the “first mascot ever based on the crayon drawings of a five-year-old who saw his parents murdered.” Gritty has since become a source of city pride, while the team is currently less so, finishing second to last in the Metropolitan Division last year. Currently coached by John Tortorella, known for his “passionate” coaching style, the team was thrown into further distress last year after star goalkeeper Carter Hart was charged with a 2018 sexual assault in a Hockey Canada scandal that rocked the league. Hart has since become a free agent.

Phillies – MLB

At the time of writing, the Philadelphia Phillies hold the best record in Major League Baseball, topping the National League. The Phillies are one of the more successful teams on this list, winning the league twice (last in 2008) and reaching the World Series a whopping eight times. The 2022 World Series established the Tiësto remix of Calum Scott’s cover of “Dancing on My Own” as an unexpected anthem for the team in their admirable run to the World Series, before falling to the Astros. Even so, the team is stacked with potential at the moment, with key names on the roster like superstar right fielder Bryce Harper and notable third baseman Alec Bohm. The team is managed by Rob Thomson, who was named interim manager in 2022 only to be given the full position after the remarkable 2022 season. Since 2004, Citizens Bank Park in the stadium district has been home to the Phillies. Philadelphia also continues its record of beloved albeit strange mascots with the infamous Philly Phanatic, a green… something which has become one of the most famous mascots in national sports.

Welcome to Drexel! While we all come from different places and many of us root for different professional sports teams, we all can come together and root for our shared team, the Drexel Dragons. 

We have 18 Varsity teams at Drexel, taking place across fall, winter and spring seasons. The marquee sports of each season are Soccer in the fall, Basketball in the winter and Lacrosse in the spring. 

For the outdoor sports, you will find them playing their home games at Vidas Field, located on 42nd and Powelton. While it is a bit of a walk from the dorms, there is a shuttle bus that leaves every half hour from the bus stop on 33rd and Market Street that will get you there in under 15 minutes. 

For indoor sports, you will be able to catch our home games from The DAC, which is just steps away from the dorms. Beginning in November, Basketball season will kick off, and there is no better way to show your Drexel pride than by hanging out with The DAC Pack in the student section. On Nov. 13, our women will host La Salle in the inaugural women’s Big 5 Tournament. On Nov. 16, the men’s team will also play host to La Salle in the second Big 5 Tournament.

The Big 5 is a great way to boost your status as a fan of the Dragons as we take on our Philadelphia-based rivals. Last year, the Men took down Villanova, who were ranked 18th in the nation, in dramatic fashion at the inaugural Big 5 Classic. 

Our Women’s Basketball team is a force to be reckoned with, as they are the reigning CAA Champions and only got stronger in the offseason, so if you want to see some dominant basketball, make sure those games are appointment viewing for you. 

All Drexel sports games are free for students. All you have to do is show up to the game, present your DragonCard and you are in! There are a few ways to figure out when games for your favorite sports are. First, you can go to drexeldragons.com and look at the calendar for upcoming events. Another easy way is to follow @DrexelAthletics, @DACPack and any of the individual sports teams on Instagram. This way, as you scroll through Instagram, you will be sure not to miss any upcoming games. 

An important part of college is getting free things, and there are few better places to get unique giveaways than at Drexel games. In order to make sure you don’t miss a giveaway, stay tuned for the various sports’ promotional schedules and social media. 

Of course, above all else, the easiest way to stay up to date as a Drexel Sports fan is to read The Triangle every time we publish. 

We will see all of you new Drexel fans at the games!

Congratulations on making it to Drexel for a new start if you are a newly transferred student. I’m sure many of you are asking “Will I fit in here?,” “How do I navigate being Drexel?” or “What do I need to do on my first day?” With Drexel’s websites and on-campus services, there are many ways incoming and transfer students can quickly get acquainted with the way things work here.

Once you are here, the most important thing you can do is visit the Dragon Card office. The Dragon Card office is located at Creese Student Center on Chestnut Street. You can pick up your card and take a self-guided tour of the facilities around campus. If you have any questions about the buildings on campus, go to the Creese Student Center front desk for more information.

If you want quiet places to study, visit the Hagerty Library, Korman Center or the Rush Building. In terms of needing non-academic help, walk to the main building to find the Office of Disability Resources, Office of Financial Aid and Office of International Student Affairs (if you are one). You can also visit the Student Health Center, Drexel Counseling Center and Drexel Recreation Center to see how they can help you maintain your physical and mental well-being. 

When it comes to Drexel’s digital resources, if you haven’t already, make sure your Drexel One account and password are set up. From there, access your new Blackboard account and review your courses. If you have questions about your classes, talk to your academic advisor or the University Registrar to find information on graduation requirements, exam schedules and other questions you may have. Since you are already far in your academic careers and need a stricter study plan, log into Drexel One and open the Term Master Schedule to see when your graduation requirements will be offered. Be sure to work with your advising team to stay on track. 

If you are wondering about extracurricular involvement, sign in using your Drexel One information on the DragonLink website. Dragonlink has information and event postings from various Drexel student organizations. If you were a part of a chapter club at your last university and want to be a part of Drexel’s chapter, use DragonLink to find it. 

Transferring to Drexel is not an exact process, but with these tips, you will quickly find how to get around campus and figure out where you fit in at your new university. Try not to stress about needing to get everything done in a single day.

Finding the perfect study spot can be the key to unlocking levels of productivity that you never knew you had. While Drexel’s campus may be described as a little rough around the edges, the campus and surrounding area have some real hidden gems. Here are my top 10 study spot recommendations. 

11th floor of the College of Computing and Informatics – 3675 Market St. 

For those who are a sucker for a good view while in the midst of midterm season, the 11th floor of Drexel’s College of Computing & Informatics has very beautiful views of the city skyline and sky. Windows range floor to ceiling and spaces available include long tables, individual study rooms with whiteboards, and study booths along all Drexel floors of the building. 

Madis Coffee – 3527 Lancaster Ave. 

Madis is a coffee shop frequented by many university students and surrounding community members. With a cozy atmosphere that is constantly bustling, getting a table (with an outlet) is not for the faint of heart. Located conveniently near campus, this stop has a warm, beautiful and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for an extended study session. 

Top Floor of Health Sciences Building – 60 N 36th St. 

The top floor of the newly constructed Health Sciences Building provides a nice, peaceful and quiet environment for those times when you really need to lock in. The spaces on the top floors are bright and open, with a variety of tables, chairs and couches available for student use. Plenty of natural light and an amazing view of campus and the city are available to keep you energized during those long finals weeks. 

Garden outside of the Rush Building – 30 N 33rd St. 

If you are the type of person who prefers to study outdoors in a more secluded setting, the garden area outside of the Rush Building is perfect for you. Situated in a more quiet nook on campus, the rush garden contains the constant sounds of a small fountain with a variety of greenery amongst the tables and chairs outside. This spot is perfect for those warm spring nights when sitting inside feels like a crime but you still have three finals to complete. 

Greek from Greece – 107 N 33rd St 

Located conveniently on campus near the freshman residence halls, Greek from Greece offers a cozy cafe experience paired with a variety of food and drink options to fuel your study session. This spot is perfect for students who prefer the cafe environment but also appreciate calm, peace and quiet. 

Middle floor of Hagerty Library – 3300 Market St. 

The middle floor of Hagerty is a classic choice; being the only library on campus for undergraduate students, it is the perfect balance between silence and slight activity. While not as noisy as the bottom floor or as silent as the top floor, it is an ideal location for those who want to chat with their friends. Keep a lookout for the Dragons’ den! Open 24 hours every day, it is the go-to place for many students with work that goes late into the night.

Ross Commons (above Sabrina’s Cafe) – 229 N 34th St. 

Ross Commons, located above Sabrina’s cafe (a popular brunch spot among students), is a quieter space away from the hustle of campus. It is equipped with amenities like a pool table, comfortable seating and a relaxed atmosphere that make it a great place to go when exploring the area surrounding Drexel or even after a bite to eat at Sabrina’s!

Lancaster Walk

Lancaster Walk is more than just a path to your destination. Being one of the most popular spaces on campus to sit with your friends on a hot summer day, it is a great place to study if you prefer being close to all major campus locations. A few lounge chairs and a lot of grass space make this the perfect place to be if you prefer to sit outside while reviewing notes or catching up on reading between classes. 

Lebow Lounge – 3220 Market St.  

Located in the LeBow College of Business, this ground-floor lounge is a comfortable and (mostly) quiet place for students to study. With long tables and chairs and plenty of outlets, this is an excellent choice for students looking for a more professional study environment.They also appreciate the close proximity to a coffee outlet if they need it. 

Top floor of Korman Center – 15 S 33rd St. 

To end this list, the top floor of the Korman Center offers another spot that is quieter than most. Recently renovated, the space is on the modern side and is well-lit, with many tables and chairs to study at. An added bonus of this location is its close proximity to virtually all tutoring services, which is helpful for that one concept that you can’t seem to master.

Starting college is exciting, but it often comes with the challenge of managing a tight budget. Fortunately, being a student has its perks — there are plenty of deals designed just for you. Here’s a guide to some of the best student discounts to help you save.

Shopping

• Amazon Prime Student offers free Prime delivery, ebooks, Prime Video and food delivery with GrubHub for six months. After the six-month trial period, students get 50 percent off the regular Prime membership cost.
• H&M offers a 20 percent student discount in-person or online.
• Aeropostale, J. Crew, Tommy Hilfiger and Levi’s offer students 15 percent off either in-person or online.
• Hanes, North Face and Champion offer 10 percent off to students.
• Target has a College Student Appreciation program through Target Circle, offering multiple discounts and deals exclusive to students.
• Websites like UniDAYS and StudentBeans are constantly updating with student discounts and offers for dozens of stores, which you can access with just your student email address.

Tech

• Apple’s education discount typically offers around 10 percent off to students and their parents, with additional deals during back-to-school season.
• Dell and HP offer educational discounts to those with .edu email addresses.
• Lenovo offers various discounts and bonuses to students.
• Logitech offers a 25 percent discount to verified students.
• Microsoft and Samsung offer discounts on various products to students and their parents.

Food

• Doordash offers DashPass to students at 50 percent off, which provides unlimited free delivery on orders over $12.
• Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s offer free items to college students at many locations.
• At participating locations, Pizza Hut, Subway, Dunkin’, Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, IHOP and Taco Bell offer 10 percent off when you show a student ID.

Transportation

• Amtrak offers a national 15 percent discount to students between 17 and 24 years old.
• NJ Transit offers 25 percent off of monthly passes to students through its University Partnership Program.
• United Airlines offers a five percent discount on flights for travelers 18 to 23 years old.

Entertainment

• Depending on the location, students are offered discounted ticket prices with a valid ID at both AMC theaters and Cinemark.
• Students can get Spotify Premium and Hulu free for three months and for $5.99 a month afterward.
• Apple’s Student Music is offered to students at a discounted price for up to 48 months, along with free Apple TV+.
• YouTube Premium is discounted for students after a free one-month trial.

Software

• Adobe offers students 60 percent off of Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Apple’s Pro Apps Bundle for Education is $199 for five apps, including Final Cut Pro, which sells for $300 on its own. 
• GitHub has a free student developer pack, which includes many free and discounted apps and tools.

Your student ID is your ticket to potential savings, so always keep it with you. You’d be surprised at how many places offer deals just for showing your ID, even if they aren’t advertised. Don’t hesitate to ask and make the most of your budget in college.

College is complicated, but so is grocery shopping. Here is a guide to help make at least one of those things a little bit easier for you.

Old Nelson Food Company is the most convenient option if you are looking for quick essentials right on campus. There are locations on 34th Street under The Summit apartments and on 30th Street next to Lincoln Plaza. You can swing by for some grocery basics, grab an energy drink on your way to a study session or pick up a sandwich at the deli counter between classes. As far as groceries go, Old Nelson houses mostly the essentials (canned goods, select produce, snacks, packaged meals) and is not the most budget friendly option for a full-on shopping haul. However, it earns points for convenience.

GIANT Heirloom Market is another safe bet for accessibility and convenience if you want to grab some groceries without having to leave campus. Located on 34th and Ludlow Streets, GIANT Heirloom is a more curated version of the traditional GIANT Food Store. It has most of the essentials you may need, and you can likely check off a majority of your grocery list here. However, it is on the pricier side due to its selective inventory. GIANT also has a free loyalty program — great for the frequent visitor (and college kid on a budget) — that offers discounts and coupons.

ACME Markets is your good-old classic grocery store. Located on 40th and Walnut Streets, it’s within a reasonable walking distance from campus if you don’t have too many bags to lug back, or it’s close to 40th Street Station for a quick SEPTA ride. It houses all your basics and is great for the general day-to-day grocery haul. It offers less variety but is a solid and affordable option. ACME also has a free loyalty program that will help save some money.

Trader Joe’s is located on 22nd and Market Street. It is a bit of a hike on foot, but a short trolley ride will drop you off at 22nd Street, right across from the store. You can find your grocery essentials here, but the selection is limited to Trader Joe’s private label. Trader Joe’s houses unique, specialized items alongside your grocery basics. This is also a great spot for pre-made foods or frozen meals, perfect for the on-the-go college kid. Trader Joe’s is also known for its seasonal items if you want to pumpkin-spice up your dorm with fall treats or need some holiday cheer while anxiously awaiting winter break.

GIANT Food is on 23rd and Arch Streets, near the Trader Joe’s. GIANT is another quintessential grocery store like ACME. It’s probably just like your basic grocer from back home — large, with great variety, a polished environment and affordability. This location has a free two-hour parking garage for its customers, so if you have a car on campus, it’s a convenient and accessible option. You can also use your free GIANT loyalty membership here.

ALDI, located west of campus on 46th and Market streets, is the furthest option, but it is right across from 46th Street Station for a quick train ride. ALDI is a great spot for stocking up on essentials on a budget. It is known for its easy-to-navigate layout and bulk options (think smaller-scale Costco without the membership). This is a great spot if you go through a lot of certain items, especially non-perishables. If you have a car on campus, they have a free one-and-a-half hour parking lot for customers.

Some grocery tips for the new city shopper:

• Every store has a different selection at a different price point. Try out a few spots before settling on your staple.
• Do not trust the paper shopping bags they use at the register. Instead, bring reusable shopping bags to avoid groceries breaking through and rolling away.
• If you choose to walk to and from the store, consider using a backpack for your groceries. It’s much more comfortable than a heavy tote bag.
• Become a loyalty member at your most frequented stores. The coupons and deals can save you money in the long run.
• Don’t fly blind; make a solid grocery list before heading to the store. Knowing exactly what you need can help reduce stress and save you time and money.
• If you have roommates, communicate about groceries to avoid overbuying.

Philadelphia is “the City of Neighborhoods,” and one of the best ways to get around them is by using the network of trains, subways, buses and trolleys at its backbone. Drexel University sits in West Philly, one of the best transit-connected parts of the city, putting students within easy reach of the region and the East Coast. With no shortage of destinations, the only question is: how do you get there? To help, here is a crash course on the services you are most likely to use.

Fares & SEPTA Key

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority manages the majority of Philly’s public transportation. Riding SEPTA is not free, however, there are built-in savings for anyone who pays their fare using contactless methods. The cash fare to take any SEPTA bus, trolley or subway route is $2.50. The same goes for a Quick Trip ticket purchased at a Metro station fare kiosk. Meanwhile, the fare when paying with a contactless method is $2.00.

Fares can be paid contactlessly by credit or debit card, Apple or Samsung Pay or the SEPTA Key. The Key functions like a debit card. Users can load money onto the card at a kiosk, online or through the app. 

The SEPTA Key also comes with literal perks. Showing your Key at businesses all over the region can get you discounts.

Essential Routes

SEPTA operates buses, trolleys, subways and heavy rail. Schedules and maps for all are available online. Here are some of the essential routes a Drexel student should know. 

Subways (SEPTA Metro)

SEPTA operates two subway routes: the Market-Frankford Line (MFL, L or Blue Line) and the Broad Street Line (BSL, B or Orange Line). They run roughly east-west and north-south, respectively. 

The MFL runs from 69th Street Transportation Center in Upper Darby to Frankford TC along Market Street, Front Street and Kensington Ave. It stops on campus at 34th Street and Drexel Station at 30th Street. There are no stops between 30th Street and 15th Street / City Hall, making the L the quickest way to Center City from Drexel. A free transfer is available to the Broad Street Line and Subway-Surface Trolleys at City Hall.

The BSL runs from NRG Station in South Philly to Fern Rock Transportation Center in North Philly. Destinations include Temple University, the Kimmel Center and the Sports Complex. Be aware of express trains that skip stops and trains taking the Broad-Ridge Spur.

Subway-Surface Trolleys (SEPTA Metro)

The Subway-Surface Trolleys are five lines that travel underground from City Hall and fan out onto surface streets in West Philly: the 10, 34, 13, 11 and 36. Under SEPTA Metro, these are being rebranded as T1 through T5, respectively, though trolleys still display the old numbers.

Between 33rd Street Station on campus and 13th Street Station, all trolleys serve all stops. From 33rd Street, take any eastbound trolley for Center City. From Center City, take any westbound to reach campus. However, west of 33rd Street Station, the lines diverge. 

The trolleys make Center City stops skipped by the MFL at 22nd Street and 19th Street Stations along Market Street. When nearing your stop, be sure to request your stop by pulling the yellow cord above the windows, or using the black buttons above the rear door. If disembarking by the rear doors, be sure to step down. The top step is a pressure plate that opens the rear door, and the driver does not manually open them.

Regional Rail

The Regional Rail is the best way to reach destinations in the wider Philadelphia region. It is a commuter heavy-rail network that connects the city to its suburbs. Consequently, schedules are oriented towards weekday commuter travel, and off-peak service can be limited. 

Regional Rail has its own fare structure, with pricier tickets to travel to further fare zones or during rush hours. You can view the schedules for all lines online. Be aware of express trains at certain times that may skip stops. Some stations are also served by multiple lines.

While train fares can be purchased at kiosks or on the train with cash or card, paying with the SEPTA Key costs less. If you plan to pay with your Key, be sure to Tap-Ride-Tap: tap your Key at the card reader when boarding, ride to your destination and tap at the card reader when you get off. Otherwise, you may be charged the maximum fare! 

The Airport Line offers 24/7 service to Philadelphia International Airport, half-hourly on weekdays and hourly on weekends. 

Take the Trenton Line to the Trenton Transportation Center to connect with NJ Transit trains to North Jersey and New York City.

Bus Routes

Buses are the workhorse of SEPTA’s network, with over 100 routes. They make up the most local form of transportation, with stops as frequent as every city block. West Philly, and especially campus, are well-served by buses. 

Other Ways to Save

Drexel also operates its own campus shuttles, albeit with limited service. The Dragon Route, or Center City Loop, runs weekdays from Nesbitt Hall and stops at Vine & Broad Street, 19th & Arch Street and 22nd & Market after 6:00 p.m. It isn’t the most convenient for Center City travel, but it is free to students with a DragonCard. For information on the Dragon Route, Powelton/Spring Garden Route and Queen Lane Route, use the TripShot app.

Public Transportation is the Way To Go

Access to public transportation is one of the greatest advantages to living in the city, and with Drexel near the epicenter of transit in Philly, students are spoiled for choice. With service by SEPTA, Amtrak, NJ Transit and more, there is no shortage of ways to get to local and regional destinations without access to a car. 

While there is a learning curve to taking public transit, especially for those who haven’t before, remember that there are many resources to help you plan a trip, and that if you are polite, the drivers, conductors and transit ambassadors you’ll encounter will be happy to help you. Also remember that much of the city takes the bus, train or trolley every day: with time, trial and error, it can become second nature for anyone.

For the second consecutive year, The Basketball Tournament will host its semi-finals and final in the Daskalakis Athletic Center on Aug. 2 and Aug. 4. TBT is an annual tournament in which 64 teams compete for a grand prize of $1 Million. The return of a high profile basketball event returning to Drexel’s campus can be viewed as the realization of Drexel Athletic Director Maisha Kelly’s “goal to utilize the DAC as a hub of entertainment and basketball in Philadelphia.” Kelly also stated that, “Partnerships like this allow us to achieve them and to illuminate Drexel’s brand on a national stage.”

Each team is put together by a General Manager and a Coach. These teams usually center around some form of a theme, such as Alumni of a specific university, players who grew up in the same area or charities that the players are working to raise awareness for. This year’s tournament features teams that represent Universities such as Purdue and University of Connecticut, charities such as Sideline Cancer, which raises funds and awareness for Pancreatic Cancer, and the Purple Hearts, who are raising funds to donate towards community organizations who work to eliminate gun violence within inner cities. 

With the final being held in The DAC, it is only right that there be at least one Drexel alumni in the tournament. Samme Givens, a Philadelphia native, was a Dragon from 2008-2012. At his time on 33rd and Market, Givens averaged 9.6 points per game and was named to multiple all conference teams throughout his career. Since leaving Drexel, Givens has spent the last decade enjoying a professional basketball career overseas, with stops in France, Italy, the Netherlands, Israel, Argentina and currently, Finland.

Givens is also not a stranger to TBT, a tournament that he has starred in three times before. In 2017, Givens played for the Broad Street Brawlers, averaging nearly 15 points per game before his squad lost. This year, Givens will be a member of Brotherly Love Pro Am, a team that 

“works to create equity, opportunity and lasting camaraderie by cultivating a network of professional athletes, centering both fitness and wellness to improve the physical, financial and mental health of communities in Philadelphia.”

Givens will face an uphill battle to make it back to The DAC, however, as his team is the sixth seed and will have to stage a series of upsets to make it to the semi-finals.

After another disappointing finish in the postseason, the Philadelphia 76ers are due for big changes this offseason. With $60M in cap space and draft capital to trade, there will be lots of movement and new faces on the team.

The Sixers main target this offseason appears to be Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George. George is expected to decline his player-option with the Clippers and become a free agent. He is expected to command a max contract, something L.A. has been reluctant to offer him so far. If he becomes available, and the Sixers are willing to meet his asking price, he would be an incredible fit next to the Sixers two all-stars, Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.

If George remains with the Clippers or signs elsewhere, the Sixers could look to pivot to a familiar face, Miami Heat Forward Jimmy Butler. Butler, like George, wants a max deal and has not gotten it from Miami. The difference here is Butler has one year left on his contract, so any deal to make him a Sixer would require the Sixers to give up assets. Butler is also a phenomenal fit with Maxey and Embiid and could give the team a playoff-riser, which they have been searching for since The Process began.

One of the potential risks of adding Butler or George on a max deal is the lack of flexibility that the Sixers will have to add quality role players and remain compliant with the NBA’s salary cap. It is projected that Embiid and Maxey will combine to make $92 million next season. The NBA salary cap is set to be $141 million, with teams able to use certain loopholes to increase spending to $189 million. While it may seem dangerous to add George or Butler at $47 million a year, the Sixers would be met with significant financial flexibility in the 2025-2026 season when the NBA signs their new TV deals. Forbes reports that the NBA’s highest cap threshold could increase by $50 million by the 2026-2027 season, meaning that the Sixers almost immediately regain financial flexibility in upcoming seasons. 

There is also a scenario where the Sixers do not land a big-name star and look to fill out their roster with high-level role players. Names like Kings Guard Malik Monk and Warriors Guard/Forward Klay Thompson have been floated out, two players who would give the Sixers shooting and shot-creation. If the star-route does not work out, Daryl Morey and the Sixers would look to prioritize their own free agents, as well. Guard Kelly Oubre and Forward Nicolas Batum would likely be the top priorities.

The Sixers also have the 16th pick in the NBA Draft, a selection that will almost certainly not be made by the team. Morey has been vocal in wanting players who can help the team win right away, and that is not where draft picks thrive. The Sixers have been active on draft day in recent years, trading for the likes of guards Seth Curry and De’Anthony Melton. Look for the team to acquire a similar-level talent with the aforementioned draft pick.

Morey has always pointed to this upcoming offseason when Sixers fans were pessimistic, touting the fact that it is extremely rare for a team that already has two all-stars to have this much flexibility to add high-level talent. Flexibility does not win championships, though, and it is up to Morey to deliver. There are certainly players available this Summer that could take the Sixers to another level, so the goal is in reach.

The night of April 15 will be one of the most memorable in the life of Kyle Tucker. After a foul just outside the 18-yard box, the 24-year-old captain of the Philadelphia Union II grabbed the ball to take the freekick. He started the runup with a few quick steps and perfectly placed the ball into the right top corner. Atlanta’s goalkeeper, fully stretched, had absolutely no chance. Tucker disappeared in a crowd of Union teammates who celebrated their captain. It was Tucker’s first-ever professional career goal.

Tucker plays his second season as captain for the Union II. It is a big honor for the 24-year-old to be part of the club he has been supporting since he was a little boy. Tucker is a familiar name in the Philly soccer community. He grew up in Phoenixville, PA, and played five years for Drexel’s Soccer Program as well as for the UPSL team Westchester United (3rd US division) before signing with the Union in the summer of 2023. Tucker is now playing primarily alongside talented young players from the Union academy who get the chance to develop their skills playing for the Union II in the MLS Next Pro, a professional senior league. 

The MLS Next Pro is a good opportunity for youth players who are too good for the academy but not ready to get playing time at the highest level of American soccer. Jake McGlynn, Quinn Sullivan and Nathan Harriel are all homegrown players who were part of the Union Academy and Union II before making the step to the MLS team.  The Union II squad is one of the youngest in the MLS Next Pro. Regardless of that, the team is on top with seven wins and only one loss in eleven played games. 

To have a successful team, though, it requires experienced players. One of these is Kyle Tucker. The 24-year-old is the oldest player on the team and wants to lead by example. “With my experience, I can help to guide young players in certain situations that they haven’t been in before,” said Tucker. When looking at Tucker’s career you almost immediately have to think of Chris Donovan, who played with Tucker at Drexel and got drafted by MLS team Columbus Crew in January 2022. He then moved to Philadelphia Union II before signing with the first team in June of 2022. “Seeing his journey showed that if you work hard in training and perform in games there is definitely that opportunity to move up,” Tucker said, who wants to follow Donavan’s footsteps. Tucker has been able to practice with the MLS team, in experiences that were extremely valuable for the 24-year-old. “Training alongside the players I was watching four years ago when I went to Union games myself is so awesome,” said Tucker. The Union II captain knows how to impress on the field this season. The midfielder contributed two goals and one assist so far. 

One of Tucker’s biggest strengths is his set-piece qualities. With Corners and crossing deliveries Tucker consistently causes danger for the opponent team. His free-kick abilities are also noticeably good. Both of Tucker’s goals this season were direct freekicks. 

The first goal in professional soccer was a long-awaited moment for the 24-year-old, especially after a beautiful free-kick goal was disallowed by the referee in the first game of the season. Players of the Union moved in front of the opponent’s wall. “It was tough that the goal was taken away from me. I thought that was my moment,” said Tucker, who has high ambitions for the seasons. After the Union made playoffs two years in a row but said goodbye very early, this year the captain of the Union II has a clear goal. “We definitely want to win some games in the playoffs and make a run,” said Tucker, who is ready to lead his team to the title.