The Philadelphia Sixers got ahead of themselves last offseason when they signed Paul George to a four-year max contract in free agency and gave Joel Embiid a three-year extension—neither move aged well. Philadelphia lucked out at the draft lottery with the No. 3 overall pick, but the goal is to win now with Embiid.
The star center's 2024-25 season ended early (he played 19 games) because of the same nagging knee injury that hindered him in 2023-24. Embiid underwent surgery again in April (following his February 2023 surgery), but the hope is that he'll be ready for next season. The Sixers have no choice but to rely on Embiid's health, given his contract situation. A trade would be difficult with his tanked value.
Embiid is one of the best players in the league when healthy, but those last two words don't happen frequently. Injuries have plagued his career, and there is concern that the 31-year-old will never regain his dominant MVP form. Where does that leave Philadelphia? In an undesirable position.
Joel Embiid's extension will continue to haunt the Sixers
Not only did the Sixers leave Chicago with the No. 3 pick in this month's draft, but they also left knowing that the Eastern Conference would be weaker, as the Mavericks and Spurs received the top two picks. All signs point toward Cooper Flagg going to Dallas, and San Antonio could select Dylan Harper with the No. 2 pick, or use it in a trade for a player like Giannis Antetokounmpo, if he becomes available.
The Pacers, Knicks, and Cavaliers could finish in the top three in the East next season, but after that, the conference will be wide open. The Celtics will still be good with Jayson Tatum out, but not nearly as dominant as they were the past two seasons. The Bucks will be somewhat competitive if Giannis stays, but Milwaukee's outlook isn't bright. If he leaves, the Bucks will be a bottom-dweller.
Nobody knows what Philadelphia will look like. Will Embiid return at the start of the season? Will he be 100 percent, or will his knee still be bothering him? Will George have a bounce-back season? Then there is the question of who the Sixers will select in the draft, and if they'll keep their pick or use it in a trade.
Now is the time for teams in the East to make a run. In theory, Philadelphia should be able to do that, but last offseason's questionable decisions left the Sixers' direction more unclear than ever.