The Philadelphia 76ers failed to add a backup center to help Joel Embiid, and fans should be outraged. The former MVP's health is a serious question. He will miss time. Embiid no longer plays back-to-backs and has appeared in just 58 games over the last two seasons combined. The Sixers need a backup plan, but their only addition was a second-round draft pick.
Andre Drummond picked up his $5 million player option to stay with the Sixers. He figures to get the first crack, despite producing a negative value over replacement player (VORP) last season. Philly’s other options are rookie second-round pick Johni Broome and second-year second-round pick Adem Bona. Not exactly the ideal group when Embiid is likely to play fewer than 60 games this season.
The 76ers regret Joel Embiid’s massive extension, but there is no going back. He is locked in through 2029, and the franchise needs a plan to cover for his missed time. Daryl Morey and the front office hope Broome is the answer, but banking on a second-round pick to blossom after five years of college basketball is risky.
76ers failed to get fans a trusted Joel Embiid backup
Drummond was awful last season, and Sixers fans hope he stays glued to the bench. The former All-Star is an elite rebounder, but his defense and lack of shooting are problematic.
Bona showed flashes late in the season. He averaged 13.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 2.5 blocks in 29.1 minutes per game down the stretch, but Philly went 1-10 in those contests as they tanked to keep their draft pick.
The 76ers don’t want to tank with two max players and three potential star guards on their roster. They will need real minutes for Bona and are praying he has a greater impact on winning in year two.
Broome is the only center addition the Sixers made this offseason. He was a first-team All-American for Auburn and showed flashes in summer league, but trusting a rookie second-round draft pick is never ideal.
The departure of Guerschon Yabusele has left Nick Nurse with limited small-ball options. Trendon Watford and Kelly Oubre Jr. are the only two the head coach can consider. Either forward creates issues for the unit to navigate, including being a questionable shooter.
If Philadelphia has no trusted backup big man and lacks an ideal small-ball option, what do they do? They certainly can’t play Embiid 48 minutes every night. The 76ers hope Bona or Broome fills their need because they have to trust someone.
The Philadelphia 76ers are headed toward another nightmare season where things completely fall apart. Joel Embiid and Paul George are already dealing with injuries, and things likely get worse before they improve.
Without a trusted backup for the former MVP, the Sixers will give up too many games and end up sweating out their fate in the lottery. Their first-round pick is only top four protected in 2026, and the Thunder may be one of the biggest winners on draft lottery night. If that happens, fans can thank Daryl Morey for not filling a need he knew existed.