The Philadelphia 76ers still need Joel Embiid to be the best team they can be. If there is anything compelling that was proven by their well-documented struggles last season, it is that this squad’s collective ceiling will always be bolstered by the former Most Valuable Player, and that remains true at this point in time.
Sure, an argument could be made that Tyrese Maxey had already usurped him as the best player on the roster. However, without Embiid, the 76ers have a rock-hard ceiling, and people will never consider them as bona fide contenders for the championship. Having said that, it is most certainly difficult to bank on that fact, especially with the superstar center still being the most unreliable centerpiece in the league when it comes to availability.
Suiting up for games is the most valuable skill in today’s NBA, and from that measure, one can even mount a strong case for Embiid being no longer viable to be called a real superstar. As such, it is time for the 76ers to seriously consider trading and parting ways with him even if their present ceiling would take a hit.
The 76ers have to seriously consider trading Joel Embiid now
Despite his stern minutes restriction so far this season, Embiid has fared much better than people expected. he is averaging nearly 20 points despite logging just a hair above 23 minutes per game — a wildly impressive figure which only proves that his most valuable skill, which is his scoring, remains elite.
Still, it is high time for the 76ers to start moving forward to life without Embiid. Even at this moment, he is still bugged by injuries and the proverbial setbacks, putting the team at a constant suspense as to whether he can play on a nightly basis.
Embiid should still have some value for teams. With parity still existent in this league (despite Oklahoma City slowly challenging that notion), the 76ers could luck themselves into finding a desperate win-now ball club who would be amenable to a deal to absorb Embiid.
Realistically speaking, the chances of that happening are low. However, everything will start at the front office’s inherent willingness to part with Embiid. Their answer to that question should be in the resoundingly affirmative.
Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and company would greatly benefit from fully embracing a new team-wide identity. The 76ers are about to usher in a new era, and it is high time for them to start installing the curtains on the eventful and thrilling Joel Embiid chapter.