If Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid can all be healthy this season, the Philadelphia 76ers are expected to be one of the better teams in the NBA, with very real title hopes.
If they aren’t healthy, well, then last season’s 24-58 campaign was just a taste of what’s to come.
The Sixers’ hopes start and end with their trio being healthy, although Embiid is the most important player on the roster. Last season, he appeared in only 19 games, and his status for opening night is unclear.
Luckily, the 76ers seem to have a plan to keep him on the court.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 04: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Brooklyn Nets during the third quarter at Barclays Center on January 04, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers to Maximize Joel Embiid
Embiid, when healthy, is the only center in the NBA who can give Nikola Jokic a run for his money. In his last three healthy seasons, he averaged 20.9 points and 10.8 rebounds, never finishing below second place in the MVP race.
Recently, that version of Embiid has been stuck on the bench with various ailments.
In an effort to prevent wear and tear from taking hold early on, the 76ers are expected to make a lineup change to maximize their superstar.
“Nick Nurse seemed optimistic, talking about the idea of Joel Embiid and Adem Bona playing together,” reported the Philly Voice’s Adam Aaronson on October 12. He said that in those lineups, Embiid is the four and Bona is the five.”
Embiid played in the Sixers’ open practice on the 12th, slamming home a dunk to thunderous applause. By pairing him with another center, the 76ers can hope that he won’t be as abused in the paint, keeping him on the court for longer.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 03: Adem Bona #30 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates a basket during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Wells Fargo Center on April 03, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Bona Could Be Emiid’s Ideal Running Mate
Embiid is not the first center to make the transition to power forward. Bona, the 41st overall pick in 2024, got plenty of run last season as the Sixers struggled with injury.
In 58 games, he posted 5.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks. He could play a Mitchell Robinson-style role in the frontcourt. Embiid could roam on defense and space the floor on offense.
Embiid is quietly one of the better big-man passers in the NBA, and if he gets the ball at the top of the key, Bona should be able to position himself for easy dunks or second-chance points.
According to Aaronson, the duo is expected to rebound and protect the rim at a high level while creating open looks in the paint.
Embiid has played center as the lone big man on the court for his entire career. With injuries slowing him down, he could extend his prime. The 76ers are desperate for him to re-establish himself as a dominant force.
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