Philadelphia 76ers: 5 things to consider about Al Horford signing

3. Staggering minutes

Maintaining health in the frontcourt should top the Sixers’ priority list next season. Embiid has dealt with arthritis, knee issues and more. Horford is 33 and, on a four-year contract, represents a lengthy commitment on Philadelphia’s end.

In rostering both Embiid and Horford, the Sixers can stagger minutes at the center spot. Not only does that help Philadelphia avoid the once inevitable nosedive when Embiid sits, it helps limit both players’ minutes per game.

The Sixers can also stagger rest days. Both Embiid and Horford should take part in load management next season and beyond. Allow Embiid to play the front half of back-to-backs and have Horford play the back half. Or vice versa, or however the matchups best align.

While paying $97+ million for Embiid insurance is ill-advised, Horford’s value stretches well beyond a safety net at center. They can share the load all season, leaving both fresh for a potentially long postseason run.

It’s a small benefit at first glance, but one that could both maximize Horford and keep the Sixers’ cornerstone talent healthy. That’s a major win.