The Philadelphia 76ers continue to struggle to create momentum in the wins column, but help should be on its way pretty soon. According to a recent bit, they could finally be graced by the return of Joel Embiid, whoi has been in and out of the lineup this season due to knee injury management. Clearly, that would be a big step toward giving notching more win along the way.
Embiid’s scoring and interior defense had been sorely missed, but exacerbating the issue is the team’s sheer lack of other options at center. Save for the overcompensating Guerschon Yabusele, who has had to play full-time center as of late also in account of Andre Drummond’s absence, the 76ers have become pretty vulnerable inside.
But with Embiid or not, the front office has to make it a strong emphasis to finally find a highly dependable backup for the superstar. The thought they managed to do that last offseason, but in reality, Drummond has struggled mightily despite what the numbers suggest.
Thankfully, a very viable option could soon present itself to the 76ers.
Emerging dilemma in Portland could give the 76ers an overdue solution
In keeping with some recent developments, an attractive center could soon be available According to Jake Fischer, the Trail Blazers are currently feeling the market for Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams, their two starting-caliber centers who have become expendable thanks to Donovan Clingan, whom they have showed a preference for moving forward.
Fisher bared that Portland is more willing to move Ayton at this point, but his market is not expected to be a robust one. The former first overall pick has underperformed a lot, and his injury could very well ward off potential buyers.
However, since Ayton may not net them significant assets, Williams could be a way for them to extract a heftier return. While his injury history is even grimmer than the former, he is a low-maintenance role player who has garnered some Defensive Player of the Year consideration not too long ago.
Just imagine Williams manning the second unit and anchoring the defense whenever Embiid is on the bench or sidelined due to injury. As long as he is healthy, the 76ers are assured of having a quality center on the floor at all times.
Still, this is quite close to a pipe dream, especially given Williams’ contract situation. Still, there’s at least a way for the Philadelphia 76ers to snag a very dependable backup — one that could finally put a governor on their longstanding issues at center.