With each passing season that ends in disappointing fashion, the Philadelphia 76ers are left with hard questions which, for the most part, they have successfully evaded. However, their 2024-25 campaign is definitely unique in that it had them go though the lowest of lows, culminating in one of the franchise’s worst seasons ever.
This time around, there is an even more resounding question that will start chasing them — can Joel Embiid still be the best player on a championship team? While the superstar won Most Valuable Player just two seasons ago and looked like the best player in the planet just last year ebfore he went down with an injury, his red flags have become too vivid to ignore.
With his injury situation still blurry even with the tangible updates the 76ers have peppered in, the front office must seriously contemplate what it can do to give the franchise a more sustainable way to build the roster without sacrificing their winning cause. But now, it seems like a good response could be within reach.
The 76ers could start dreaming about Zion Williamson after this latest rumor
In one of the more expected developments in the league, the Pelicans have moved on from the leadership of David Griffin and hired Joe Dumars as their new president of basketball operations. However, that change up top carries with it a bigger, potential implication.
Following the move, there are already rumors about New Orleans making a hard pivot by testing the waters with its franchise player, Zion Williamson. The All-Star has once again finished an injury-riddled campaign, and with the Pelicans having a solid shot at the top pick this year, they could finally have the impetus to move on from the wasted Zion era.
If so, the 76ers should move accordingly and consider making a swap for Williamson. While the former first overall pick is just as big of an injury risk as Embiid, he is younger than the latter and offers more flexibility when it comes to surrounding him with complementary players.
At this point, Philadelphia should definitely consider putting forth an offer if the Williamson sweepstakes opens up as rumored. It offers them a huge shot at a tonal shift without absconding from their win-now edict.
It may be ugly on the surface, but the Philadelphia 76ers have to acknowledge the reality of the situation that Joel Embiid may never be the same again with all his recurring injuries and advancing age.