From 2018 to this current season, the Philadelphia 76ers have built their roster around Joel Embiid. But each year, their problem has remained the same: Joel Embiid can’t stay healthy. It doesn’t help to give him other stars that can’t stay healthy, shortening their roster and lineup on a game-to-game basis. Their roster and game plan sound good on paper, but with their players always being injured, they simply can’t compete.
But at some point, and that time is arriving fast, the Sixers must ask a hard question: Is holding onto aging stars actually pushing them further from a title? I won’t sit here and deny that when he’s healthy, Joel Embiid isn’t one of the best players in the NBA, but that doesn’t matter when your star player is playing less than half of your 82-game season.
The Tough Move Could Be the Right Move
Trading Embiid, he face of the franchise, would be emotional and controversial. Moving off Paul George would signal a real shift in direction. But great franchises stay ahead of decline rather than reacting to it if the Sixers go in the direction of having their great young player like Tyrese Maxey, who is already averaging 33 points on 46.3 field goal percentage, with 9 assists and 5 rebounds. And V. J. Edgecombe, who is already, as a rookie, averaging 20 points on a 49.5 field goal percentage with a side of 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Alongside their other young core like Quentin Grimes, Adem Bona, it is clear that without Joel Embiid and Paul George, they can hold their own.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I personally think they need to give up old and always-injured players like Joel Embiid and put some shine on their players who are always there when it counts. Trade the people for some picks or players that can help the organization in the long run.