After several weeks of radio silence, the Philadelphia 76ers finally released an underwhelming update on the state of franchise superstar Joel Embiid's recovery -- and it presents a sense of deja vu from the 24/25 offseason for fans. Reports have emerged in recent days that Embiid has yet to return to any on-court activities, despite unde arthroscopic surgery on his left knee around three months ago.
The 31-year-old has consistently struck fear into defenses over his nine-year career in the NBA, averaging a phenomenal 27.7 points, 11 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks. However, after missing over 400 games due to various injuries he has sustained, question marks have been raised over the remaining longevity of Embiid's career.
Accusations of the 2023 Most Valuable Player only caring about picking up a paycheck are slanderous, as he has played through the pain barrier on multiple occasions to provide the Sixers with the best chance possible of winning a championship. Nevertheless, taking a similar approach to the Los Angeles Lakers should be considered if Embiid does not register many minutes on the court.
Daryl Morey may have to follow in Rob Pelinka's footsteps to save the 76ers
In a trade that stunned the basketball world, the Dallas Mavericks talisman Luka Doncic was shipped to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick -- with the Utah Jazz acquiring several assets in the process. This trade signalled the end of LeBron James' tenure as the leading face of the historical franchise, with his younger colleague Doncic being considered as the future of Los Angeles.
When analysing the future of the 76ers, general manager Daryl Morey may have to address a serious dilemma if his star center cannot effectively contribute to Philadelphia's championship aspirations this year: is it time to transition into an era that does not prioritise Joel Embiid?
A franchise cannot thrive if its prized asset -- which a whole roster is constructed around -- is never on the floor. A symptom of insanity is persisting with a process that continually fails and expecting a different outcome; the Sixers are teetering on the borders of this territory.
The 'City of Brotherly Love' would not have to make a blockbuster trade to pivot away from the Embiid era, with the tenacious Tyrese Maxey thriving in a leadership role during the previous campaign in the absence of his partner in crime. Despite efficiency issues plaguing the start of his campaign, the 24-year-old took mammoth leaps in his development, recording a career-high 26.3 points per game whilst averaging 6.1 assists.
In addition, a talented young core of players -- headlined by V.J. Edgcombe -- is being constructed in Philadelphia, and Maxey has an opportunity to showcase his ability to have a positive influence on his peers. The 2024 Most Improved Player must steer his youthful teammates in a direction that provides the 76ers the greatest chance to contend in an Eastern Conference that currently has no frontrunners.
However, the Joel Embiid era is not yet over. With little evidence to suggest that his injury will be an issue throughout the upcoming campaign, Morey has no choice but to stick to his guns and pray that the superstar's elite attributes will remain on the court this season. Yet, Father Time waits for no man, especially a man who has suffered through an injury-riddled career. Things may have to change dramatically in Philadelphia sooner than fans may have hoped.