Agents advise players to be cautious about joining the Philadelphia 76ers due to Joel Embiid’s extensive injury history.
Despite the team’s potential to add another star, Embiid’s postseason performance has been inconsistent due to injuries, raising concerns for prospective free agents.
- Agents advise players to consider Joel Embiid’s injury history before joining the 76ers.
- Embiid’s postseason performance has been hampered by various injuries.
- The 76ers have significant cap space to add another star player but face challenges due to Embiid’s health concerns.
Agents Warn Players About Joining 76ers
As the Philadelphia 76ers prepare for an important free agency period this summer, agents warn players to be careful about joining the team because their star player, Joel Embiid, has a well-documented history of injuries.
NBA insider Jake Fischer shared on the “No Cap Room” podcast that agents warn their clients about the risks of joining a team with a star player who has not consistently been healthy in the postseason.
Agents Are Warning Players Eyeing 76ers to Consider Joel Embiid’s Post-Season Health; per @JakeLFischer
“I’ve heard from multiple agents that if their client want to go to the Sixers, they are going to be advising that guy; ‘are you sure you want to hitch your wagon to Joel… pic.twitter.com/GEB6k2RBoV
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BASKETBALLonX) May 24, 2024
Joel Embiid’s Impact on 76ers’ Playoff Performance
Joel Embiid has missed only eight out of 67 playoff games with the 76ers, but he has often been slowed down by injuries like orbital fractures, a torn thumb ligament, knee soreness, ankle problems, and a torn meniscus.
These injuries have caused his playoff performance to drop. He is averaging 24.9 points on 45.9% shooting, 10.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.
In the regular season, he averages 27.9 points on 50.4% shooting, 11.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game over 433 starts.
Even though Embiid has played in most of the 76ers’ playoff games, unlike some other star NBA players, his struggle to stay fully healthy during the playoffs is a big worry for potential free agents considering joining the team.
76ers’ Strategy to Add a Third Star
The 76ers are in a strong position to add a third star to their roster, along with Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted that the team could create up to $65 million in cap space by renouncing the rights to all their free agents except Maxey, waiving players with non-guaranteed contracts, and trading their first-round picks without returning their salary.
Maxey is expected to sign a max extension this summer, which could start at $35 million. This would leave enough room for the 76ers to add another max player.
Paul George has been the most popular name linked to Philadelphia if he decides to leave the Los Angeles Clippers.
On The Bill Simmons Podcast, The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor mentioned that the 76ers believe they have a “real chance” to sign the nine-time All-Star.
However, the team’s success in attracting top talent will heavily depend on their ability to manage Embiid’s health and ensure he can perform at his best during the postseason.
Challenges of Embiid’s Persistent Injuries
Embiid’s injuries have made him play through pain, hurting his performance and the team’s chances.
For example, last year, he missed Game 4 against the Brooklyn Nets because of a sprained right knee and was also out for Game 1 against the Boston Celtics in the semifinals.
Even though he came back to finish the series, he was clearly not fully fit, which affected his performance.
In the must-win Game 7 against the Celtics, Embiid only managed 15 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks in 38 minutes, leading to criticism that he choked in the most important game of the season.
Strategic Moves Amid Embiid’s Health Concerns
Despite concerns about Embiid’s injuries, the 76ers are well-positioned to attract top talent.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks mentioned that the team could free up to $65 million in cap space by letting go of their free agents except for Maxey, waiving players with non-guaranteed contracts, and trading their first-round pick without returning their salary.
Maxey is expected to sign a max extension this summer, starting at $35 million, leaving enough room to add another max player with smart roster moves.
Paul George is a popular name linked to Philadelphia. According to Kevin O’Connor from The Ringer, the Sixers believe they have a “real chance” to sign the nine-time All-Star if he decides to leave the Los Angeles Clippers.
76ers and Magic are reportedly preparing to pursue All-Star guard Paul George
“There’s two teams that are paying very close attention to Paul George: the Orlando Magic and the Philadelphia 76ers, because both of them have the money to throw at him and have a need for a wing just… pic.twitter.com/fYck5j1uzY
— Dime Alerts (@DimeAlerts) May 1, 2024
George has a $48 million player option for the 2024-25 season and has until June 29 to decide whether to opt in or become an unrestricted free agent.
Klay Thompson is another potential target for the Sixers. The Golden State Warriors did not offer him an extension before their season ended in the play-in tournament, making him a possible addition to Philadelphia’s roster.
The Philadelphia 76ers might consider offering Klay Thompson a 1+1 year deal similar to the one Bruce Brown received, per @JakeLFischer
“The Sixers, sources said, took note of Indiana’s two-year splurge for Bruce Brown that then became the biggest salary headed back to Toronto… pic.twitter.com/KQJFfC3X3n
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 23, 2024
Ultimately, the success of the 76ers’ efforts to build a championship-contending team will hinge on Joel Embiid’s health.
If he struggles with injuries, the team could face another disappointing season, despite their potential to add another star player.
Prospective free agents must weigh the risks associated with Embiid’s injury history against the opportunity to join a team with significant talent and resources.
