For the past two seasons, injuries have derailed the Philadelphia 76ers chances of success. Joel Embiid has long-standing knee issues have been at the forefront of the Sixers problems.
As such, it would appear the Sixers came into this summer knowing they would need to build for two eventualities. The first is that they would finally get a fully healthy team, with both Embiid and Paul George available and near their best. The other is that the injury bug continues to limit the Sixers’ opportunities for success.
During a recent discussion with Keith Smith of Spotrac, a member of the Sixers front office explained how that mindset impacted the team’s movement this summer. It’s worth noting that the quote provided took place before George’s offseason surgery was announced.
“We’re very aware that some of our key guys have things they are working through,” The front office executive told Smith. “We have tried to build depth to work around that, while also having talent we can pivot to, if necessary. It creates a tremendous challenge for our coaches, but we believe in their ability to figure it out. We said multiple times heading into the offseason that ‘We need to build two different teams.’”
The executive continued.
“One of those teams is going to play one way when our vets are healthy. We think that’s at a championship level. The other team is going to play fast and to take advantage of our youth. That puts a lot on the coaching staff to be that kind of multiple-style team, but we think they’re the perfect staff to pull it off.”
Of course, the hope will be that Philadelphia can remain healthy once the new season begins. Only then can it make good on the undoubted potential within the roster.
Sixers Added New Dynamic This Summer
A key aspect of the Sixers’ summer has been adding younger, more athletic talent to the rotation. President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey recently explained the reasoning behind that decision during a media availability.
“I think we went in with a big goal of being younger and more athletic among the group that we think will likely be on the floor,” Morey said, per the Philly Voice. “I feel we’ve done that…I think around Joel and Paul, I think pretty much every likely rotation player is 27, 28 or younger. So, yeah, we’re looking forward to that, and optimistic on where things are at with Joel. So, yeah, looking forward to next season.”
Nick Nurse now has a roster capable of playing up-tempo and in transition. Of course, with Embiid and George on the floor, they’ll also be near-unstoppable when facing half-court defenses.
Sixers Will Need to Wait For Joel Embiid
In a recent interview with ESPN’s Dotun Akintoye, Embiid revealed that he currently doesn’t have a timeline for returning to on-court activities.
“We don’t have a timeline,” Embiid told Akintoye. “Hopefully, sooner rather than later…I don’t know how they (the Sixers) feel. The only thing I’d say is — this is a business. It’s all about the results…If I come back early enough and I’m still not myself, guess what? You’re not winning any games.”
Without Embiid in the rotation, Philadelphia won’t have the high-end talent to contend for a championship. Therefore, it makes sense for the franchise to take a slow approach to bringing their star back from injury.
After all, it doesn’t matter if he misses the opening stretch of the season, providing he’s available when the games begin to matter later in the year.
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