The Philadelphia 76ers made a couple of drastic changes to the composition of their brain trust right before the offseason officially begins, the most recent one being the move to promote Jameer Nelson as their new team vice president behind Mike Gansey, who is also a newcomer. What remains the same, however, is the nucleus of this team –– one still led by Joel Embiid.
The former MVP's heroics were on full display for the 76ers this season despite him missing more than half of the regular season due to injuries and load management. Be that as it may, there is still the lingering sentiment that the team will be held back by his albatross contract extension, which only kicks in next season, raising a legitimate case for the team to try and trade him. Nelson, however, is hinting otherwise.
When asked about his thoughts on how they can build the roster this offseason, Nelson made an emphasis on getting Embiid's conditioning right in order to ensure that he can be on the hardwood as much as possible. Obviously, that is a strong indication that the front office is not even thinking of dumping the superstar center.
Joel Embiid's fate with the 76ers has just been sealed
"The goal is to get Joel on the floor as much as we can. That's for us obviously to help find out and to accomplish. We all know when he's on the floor, he's the best big, in my eyes. He's one of the guys who, when healthy, everybody wants."
Obviously, that is not the same tune to harp for a front office that is even entertaining the prospect of moving on from Embiid. One can also argue that this year is the only chance the 76ers have to trade him, and since that is no longer in the cards, he will most likely play out his contract with the franchise. His current deal runs through the 2028-29 campaign at most depending on what happens with his player option for the season.
At the very least, the 76ers brass seems to be set on having Embiid pilot the team moving forward, which is still a design conducive to meaningful success. Synonymous to what Nelson echoed, he remains an MVP-caliber talent when healthy, and the playoffs clearly proved that this team goes where Embiid can take them.
This team badly needs an identity, and the easiest way to do that is to follow the footstep of the best player on the roster. That is Joel Embiid for the 76ers, and that should be plenty enough to compose a collective design that will direct how the team will operate this offseason, for better or for worse.
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