There is no mystical realm in which Joel Embiid is not the starting center for the Philadelphia 76ers when he is available. His dominance on the floor and improved mobility have provided Philly fans with hope that a deep run in the postseason is still plausible. However, head coach Nick Nurse's inability to confirm who Embiid's backup will be could affect the team's effectiveness if their star center, again, suffers a long-term injury.
In the 76ers' most recent 125-116 defeat to the Atlanta Hawks, the athletic sophomore Adem Bona was handed a prominent role in the rotation, clocking up 29 minutes -- 10 more minutes than his fellow center Andre Drummond. This is a rarity in Nurse's team selections, with the players usually splitting the available minutes when Embiid is absent from the lineup.
Both players have their perks, and depending on the matchups, Bona and Drummond can play a pivotal part in the Sixers' ability to win games. Nevertheless, refusing to set in stone which center is your second option only hinders the roster's opportunity to create a significant gameplan and chemistry.
Nick Nurse must make a definitive decision
Chopping and changing players' roles is never a sign of a team that is ready to compete for silverware. Given the fact that Embiid is continuing to suffer from niggling injuries, Paul George is still serving a 25-game suspension, and Tyrese Maxey's injury layoff is yet to be confirmed, the 76ers already have their backs against the wall.
Nick Nurse has a responsibility to provide his team with the best chance of being effective, even when the roster continues to be decimated by bad luck. Settling on a center would go a long way in amplifying Philadelphia's playoff hopes. The answer may be difficult, but the head coach is well compensated and experienced enough to make the decision he believes is appropriate.
Andre Drummond boasts a wealth of experience and is an expert rebounder, providing the Sixers' smaller lineup with a solid platform to enact a devastating transition offense. The 32-year-old has averaged 6.6 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 48.6% from the floor. Despite falling to a 114-98 defeat to the Boston Celtics, Drummond scored 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to prove he is more than capable of honing a starting berth.
On the other hand, Adem Bona consistently brings the kind of energy and athleticism that can spark the 76ers to life at any given moment. Philadelphia's sophomore has recorded 4.6 points and 4.2 rebounds, while recording a field-goal percentage of 61%. Again, when given an opportunity, Bona registered a 12-point, five-rebound performance.
Both players have their strengths and weaknesses, but neither comes close to matching the offensive prowess of Joel Embiid. However, not selecting a consistent understudy for the 76ers' star player is counterproductive and will only negatively impact Philadelphia's postseason hopes. Nick Nurse must make a decision, and fast.