The Philadelphia 76ers often look like they are limit testing, and at some point, it’s gotta stop. Otherwise, they could eventually reach that grim chapter where Joel Embiid, their franchise player, rides the waves of conventions and starts thinking twice about his level of trust in the front office.
Not too long ago, Embiid was asked about what he wants to see from the team before the trade deadline. His answer definitely commanded a lot of attention, especially since it was the first time he went on record and openly discussed the 76ers’ propensity to get all conservative and frugal when it comes to spending and improving the roster.
Lo and behold, the front office did exactly what he wanted them not to do. The main theme of the trade deadline for Philly was cutting costs, and to that effect, they even willingly parted with Jared McCain. Daryl Morey himself admitted that the team was largely motivated financially to make that deal, much to the chagrin of fans.
The 76ers have to stop testing Joel Embiid’s patience
More than the complete absence of being proactive, the 76ers front office needs to wake up and realize that this is a team that is still not reckoned to be a contender this season. And by the looks of it, that will remain to be the case until they take on an aggressive stance and start manning up to their promises.
Embiid, who has been one of the biggest feel-good stories this season with his awe-inspiring resurgence after looking like he was done being an elite player in the previous campaign, is still at the peak of his powers. However, he is on the wrong side of 30 with an extensive injury. At this point, you would expect the 76ers to start moving with more urgency, right?
Well, Morey can say whatever he wants about them being willing to go over the luxury tax to optimize the roster and give themselves the highest chance possible at clinching the title. But until they actually do that, there is a good shot that Embiid eventually sours at the front office’s ceaseless grandstanding.
Embiid has already suffered so much during his 76ers tenure, yet the team’s brain trust seems to remain somehow complacent with the patience of their franchise player. Time and time again, they have proven that they do not deserve his trust and loyalty, and to drive home the shamelessness even more, they just did it again. And God knows how long will that continue to be the case.