Anthony Edwards and Kawhi Leonard are the latest names to join the NBA's long injury list to start the season. Now, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors must continue their championship quests without their star players for the foreseeable future. As the Philadelphia 76ers know, this is a dangerous road to walk down. Nick Nurse and his coaching staff should take other teams' bad luck as a warning shot. If winning a title is the dream, then load management is key.
While many will discuss the reasons behind the NBA's injury "epidemic", all the franchises will consider is how these unfortunate events could derail their season ambitions. Anthony Edwards is already averaging 33.1 points per game and has two 40-point performances to his name. The 25-year-old was playing at an MVP-calibre, but the Timberwolves will now be without their talisman for an expected two months after right knee arthroscopic surgery.
Sixers fans are well aware of Kawhi Leonard's devastating skill set. Nobody wants to be reminded of the 2019 playoff series that ended in buzzer-beater heartbreak. Kawhi is a game-changer. Regardless of his role, he will make a significant impact. Without him, Toronto's championship hopes look weaker.
The 76ers can't afford one of their star man to hit the injury table, especially as the season progresses. Lady Luck has not been kind to Philadelphia over recent seasons, Nick Nurse must not only put preventative measures in place, he must be prepared if fitness issues overcome his roster.
The 76ers' starting lineup must be managed carefully
Philadelphia and injuries have a toxic relationship. No matter what measures the 76ers put in place, these problems always return to haunt the franchise -- especially when it comes to Joel Embiid. In fact, Embiid and LeBron James have already had their names placed on the injury report with the intention of managing their fitness concerns.
It may only be four games into a relentless NBA schedule, but this is a sensible approach from Nick Nurse. The end goal is a championship, so risking his stars so early would be ludicrous. Embiid and LeBron aren't role players; they are an integral part of the blueprint Nurse and Mike Gansey have aimed to create. Without them available, the team would struggle to reach its potential.
Even with load management, injury can still strike, and if it does, the Sixers' head coach must be prepared. With the roster still working things out, Nick Nurse should experiment with different lineups, utilizing less-desired options such as Justin Edwards, Labaron Philon Jr., and Tacko Fall -- when he returns to full fitness.
These players are unlikely to carve out a major role in the rotation come playoff time if the roster is healthy -- but that is a big 'if'. Cohesion and chemistry matter, as does experience. If the 76ers protect Philon Jr. too much with his future in mind, the rookie will never be able to contribute should Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, or Jaylen Brown find themselves struck down by injury.
Unfortunately, injuries are part of basketball, and every team will suffer from them. The Philadelphia 76ers must not only implement precautionary measures to keep their roster healthy but also ensure their role players are ready to step up when called upon.
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