The Dream starting 5 for the 76ers 5 years from now

Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

C: Joel Embiid

What can the 76ers expect from Embiid in five years? He will be 34 years old, but will his lengthy injury history catch up with him?

Shaquille O’Neal made his second to last All-Star appearance at 34, but the decline had begun. He played four more years in the league but was not the same dominant force. Hakeem Olajuwon made his last All-Star team at 34 and it was the final time Wilt Chamberlain averaged over 20 points per game.

Embiid will be on the edge of his prime, and the Sixers should be all-in. The 2023 MVP and dominant two-way force deserves to be in championship contention and this could be one of his final shots as a superstar. It will take a massive overhaul and some shrewd trades by Daryl Morey, but the franchise must do it.

What will the Philadelphia 76ers look like in five years? Their dream scenario would feature three stars surrounded by a host of strong role players. The second tax apron makes that more difficult, but teams will find ways around it, and the rules could change again over the next half-decade. Philly will try to build a contender around Embiid, but can they win it all? Stay tuned to find out.