Expectation for the new look Philadelphia 76ers sky high heading into the 24-25 season after a roster makeover this summer. Even so, the success of the Sixers will rest on the shoulders of superstar Joel Embiid.
Embiid has been one of the most dominant players in the NBA over the last five seasons. He won back-to-back scoring titles, had three top-two MVP finishes, as well as winning MVP in 2022-23. Of course, it's hard to mention his success without mentioning his health issues.
He missed two and a half seasons at the start of his career and has struggled to stay on the court even as he's dominated. That appears to be the case going forward, with Embiid confirming that he will likely sit out a game in back-to-backs for the remainder of his career.
.@ShamsCharania talks about the "new normal" we can expect to see from Joel Embiid ✍️ pic.twitter.com/zy6fC6hRnV
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 14, 2024
Joel Embiid sitting out back-to-back games will have a big impact on the Philadelphia 76ers.
In theory, having him sit out those games could benefit both his and the Sixers' success. Minimizing the wear and tear on his knees could keep him healthier throughout the season. The Sixers could be dominant in the games that he does play if he is able to play at least 60 games. In fact, they got deeper in the offseason, likely to help offset his absence when he misses time.
Adding Andre Drummond will give them a more than serviceable backup center who can fill in and play 30 minutes during games that Embiid sits. Also, nine-time All-Star Paul George will help Tyrese Maxey carry the scoring load in those games.
If they can win at least two-thirds of their games with Embiid and be at least around .500 without him, then they should be more than fine in terms of seeding in the Eastern Conference. Better still, if Embiid is healthier as a result of load management, then he will be at full strength come playoff time for the first time in years. That could help the Sixers break through and make their first conference finals in Embiid's career.
Embiid not playing back-to-back games ensures that he will never win another MVP.
From an individual stats aspect, Embiid missing at least 15 games a season right off the bat would negatively impact his career accolades. The NBA instituted a 65-games played requirement for major awards, and if he sits out during back-to-backs, then he will almost automatically be ruled out for MVP. Still, him playing even 65 games would be better than his career average of 50 games a year.
Had he not missed 50 games last season, he would have led the league in scoring for a third straight year, proving his dominance. Ultimately, if this plan works, it may be better for the Sixers as a team than Embiid individually. Nevertheless, if it results in a championship, then it all would be worth it.