5 76ers who could be forced into retirement after the season
These current 76ers may not be in the league next season.
By Tyler Watts
The Philadelphia 76ers hope to salvage what has been a disappointing season so far. They were second in the Eastern Conference on Jan. 29 before reigning MVP Joel Embiid suffered a knee injury. The Sixers believe he will return, but his team likely has to come out of the Play-In Tournament. Embiid will provide a massive boost. Is it enough to lead the 76ers on a deep run?
Daryl Morey and the front office have a ton of work to do this offseason. Embiid is the only player under guaranteed contract for the 2024-25 season. The Sixers want to use their cap space to build a title contender around The Process, but it won’t be easy. There is no guarantee Philly can convince a star to join them in free agency. If the 76ers strike out, they risk upsetting their superstar.
There will be massive roster changes this summer in the City of Brotherly Love. Multiple players will not return, and some of them may be out of the NBA entirely. These players are fighting for their futures in the league.
5. Mo Bamba
Many believed Bamba was a future star coming into the NBA. He was the sixth overall pick in the 2018 draft but struggled to find his footing with the Magic. The seven-footer expanded his role and production in year four, so Orlando re-signed him to a two-year $21 million contract but traded him to the Lakers at the deadline. Bamba barely saw the floor in LA and was waived after the season.
He signed a one-year minimum deal with the Sixers to back up Embiid in the 2023 offseason. The 25-year-old was out of the rotation for significant stretches this season. Even during the reigning MVP’s absence, Bamba is averaging just 4.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 17.0 minutes per game. The Sixers have a negative-3.2 net rating with him on the floor, and he may be running out of NBA chances.
Mo Bamba has age and potential on his side. Some team likely offer an opportunity this summer, but some of the 76ers are not so fortunate. These veterans could be out of the league this summer.