Finding a good backup center who can start when needed and capably fill in for Joel Embiid while being a stabilizing force off the bench was one of the most important tasks the Philadelphia 76ers faced this summer. Unfortunately, despite their flurry of flashy signings and deals, that remains a box left unticked this offseason.
76ers have missed on some solid options
The 76ers had some opportunities to snag established names at center like Nikola Vucevic and the overseas-bound Jonas Valanciunas, among others. However, the front office was never even rumored to have been in play for those players. It appears they are banking on their younger commodities to make a leap or two in the upcoming campaign.
Be that as it may, the reality is that counting on unproven options to fill such a critical role is a huge gamble in and of itself. It has not worked for years, yet the 76ers seem content to let their current pool of young centers have the reins and try to figure things out for themselves. That is simply not what Embiid is probably envisioning for his backup with the team hellbent on snapping its title drought, right?
The 76ers have yet to grant Joel Embiid his longtime wish
The backup big man brigade the 76ers will bring to training camp, as currently constructed, consists of Adem Bona, Johni Broome, Dominick Barlow, Ariel Hukporti, and Jabari Walker. None of those players have more than five years of experience in the league on their own, which truly makes their entire pool of centers an untested group.
Embiid is going to miss a considerable number of games next season by design. The coaching and medical staff will make sure that they do not overexert the former MVP in the regular season, more so now that the team has gotten another infusion of elite talent in Jaylen Brown. Even when he is relatively healthy, resting him will always be an option by default.
As such, it is a big risk for the 76ers to continue to run with their slew of young big men to try and fill Embiid's void when he is resting or sidelined altogether. Time and time again, the 76ers have shown their utmost incompetence in high-stakes settings without their superstar center on the floor, and that will likely remain the case, given how things currently are.
The 76ers brain trust still has time to find Embiid a reliable backup, but for now, their stream of so-called solutions remains nebulous at best. Hopefully, they get a firmer answer to their dilemma soon, lest they enter training camp carrying the same problem that has plagued them for years.
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