The Philadelphia 76ers find themselves in a tough spot, having lost seven straight games and sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference with a disappointing 20-36 record. With the playoffs appearing increasingly out of reach, a successful run through the Play-In Tournament seems to be their only hope. However, complications are arising within the team, particularly regarding superstar Joel Embiid, who will be sidelined for his 38th game due to a lingering knee injury that has only allowed him to participate in 19 games this season.
Recent reports indicate that Embiid is exploring alternative treatment options, including the possibility of undergoing knee surgery, given that current methods such as injections and therapy have not yielded significant results. As he expressed after a recent loss to the Boston Celtics, Embiid feels that he may need to address the underlying issue to return to his optimum playing level. This week, he is expected to undergo additional tests to determine the best course of action.
Amid these struggles, some analysts believe the 76ers should consider shutting Embiid down for the remainder of the season. Given his limited playtime and the team’s judgment regarding the futility of pushing for a playoff position, it might be wiser to prioritize future prospects. This strategic decision would allow them to focus on the upcoming draft, where they currently have the sixth-best odds of securing a top pick. A notable precedent for this approach can be seen in the 2023 Dallas Mavericks’ decision to tank late in the season to protect their draft position; it paid off when they secured Dereck Lively II, who has contributed significantly to the team.
Additionally, there are concerns about fellow player Paul George, who has been playing through a painful extensor tendon injury and has only competed in 37 games this season. With both Embiid and George battling health issues, the argument for sidelining them becomes stronger. Notably, the Sixers risk losing their first-round draft pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder if it falls outside the top six—adding urgency to the decision to focus on the long-term outcome rather than immediate gains.
Ultimately, the 76ers may need to embrace a rebuilding strategy, similar to what Dallas did two years ago. By prioritizing health and draft potential, they could emerge better equipped for future championships. It’s a challenging time for the franchise, but taking a step back now might pave the way for a more hopeful and successful future.
This situation offers a chance for the 76ers to not only safeguard their players’ well-being but to also build a stronger foundation moving forward. It’s an opportunity for reflection and strategic planning that could ultimately lead to better outcomes in subsequent seasons.