Joel Embiid just deservedly signed a massive four-year extension. One of the few players to sign that caliber of a contract without having an agent. In his latest Instagram post, Embiid claims that he plans to retire with the Sixers. After reading that caption, not only was I happy, but I was taken back. Wow. Jojo has been in the league for going on eight years. The extension keeps Joel under contract through the 2026-27 season, and gives him a total of $261 million guaranteed over the next six years. Joel will be 33 by 2027, and his level of play by then will not be nearly the same. With the injury history and the weight of the franchise on his knees and back all these years, he is guaranteed to break down by that point.
Which leads me to the title: “time is ticking” for any championship aspirations. Ben Simmons, as pathetic as he was in the playoffs, is still on the roster. I’m of the belief that he will remain on the roster to begin the season if Daryl Morey cannot pursue Damian Lillard. So far, “the process” has been Joel Embiid and extreme roster turnovers. The promising pieces remaining are Jo, which goes without saying, Tyrese Maxey, Matisse Thybulle, and Paul Reed.
The Sixers’ window of contention is closing quickly. It’s time to deliver a championship-caliber roster around Joel Embiid.
The only major acquisition this offseason has been Andre Drummond on a one-year veteran’s minimum contract. It’s hard to be upset with the addition, but then again, I’m not exactly jumping for joy. There is a lot of work to be done, especially on the foul line and perimeter. With the Heat upgrading their roster, the Hawks having our number, the Clippers almost going to the NBA Finals without Kawhi, Milwaukee being defending champs, and both the Lakers and the Nets having super teams, time is ticking.
There is simply not enough talent on this roster. On the offensive side of the ball, the Sixers look lost and have to bank on Embiid hitting fadeaways over three defenders to bail them out. Tobias Harris and Ben Simmons may be the two worst max contract players in the NBA today. Maybe NBA history. If there isn’t even MORE turnover with this roster than the Sixers have already had in the past, Philadelphia is in trouble.
They gave up Dario Saric and Robert Covington for Jimmy Butler — anything is possible. Hopefully by mid-season a “Bradley Beal” falls into our lap.
The NBA is a business. Joel is very marketable, and will continue to keep the Sixers “relevant” and continue to generate revenue. I am just very fearful that’s the best we are going to get out of this “Process”. Daryl Morey, get this man help. Philadelphia has never wanted an athlete to succeed more. It’s Embiid vs. the World.