The Philadelphia 76ers may be a hair close to being in the postseason loop, but the hard reality is that they have actually been in that same position for months already. Despite the East being top-heavy, the team has not been able to surpass even the struggling teams ahead of them, endangering their chances of even qualifying for the play-in tournament.
Time is running fast, and with just 30 games left to play, the 76ers should be operating with a heightened sense of urgency. Unfortunately, they have arguably been the most inconsistent team in the NBA, matching surprising winning streaks with long and frustrating droughts. Their current win-loss card says everything you need to know.
But all things kept constant, what will decide the season for Philadelphia is Joel Embiid and his availability. After missing a long streak of contests, he returned recently and has played very well, but given how the team is managing him, his playing status is kind of a Russian roulette — you never really know what you are gonna get on a nightly basis.
New info has the 76ers running out of options with Joel Embiid
The 76ers remain committed to the highest degree to Embiid, and quite frankly, you cannot blame them. While still an MVP-caliber player when healthy, it is tough to envision any team wanting to move heaven and earth to acquire him given that he is now on the wrong side of 30 and is constantly injured.
Beyond this season, Philly has to rethink its stance, but for now, they must do every available remedy to solve the puzzle with the 2023 Most Valuable Players.
Unfortunately, what was recently bared from the 76ers camp would harp a cacophonic tune to every fan’s ears. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey, the team has already consulted more than a dozen doctors regarding Embiid’s persistent injury.
That certainly does not bode well for the team, especially given the current status quo of the superstar just playing through pain and managing whatever swelling there is. Clearly, no one is able to pinpoint what the real problem is with him health-wise, and that is definitely a spooky trend for the team moving forward.
At this point, what can the Philadelphia 76ers really do to abate the situation? The franchise goes wherever Joel Embiid takes them, but with the superstar running on one functional leg as he ages, they could only do so much.
Ideas, anyone?