Joel Embiid’s uncertain future headlines a cloudy Sixers frontcourt picture
We don’t have much clarity about the future of the big man position for Philadelphia.
While things seem to be shaping up for the Philadelphia 76ers at the guard position, the Sixers’ frontcourt picture is much more muddled. Any discussion there has to start with Joel Embiid.
It used to be the case that the Sixers had a perennial MVP candidate at the center position and the biggest problem was how to fill the 10 minutes per game when he needed to rest on the bench. Not so much this season. Embiid only appeared in 17 of the team’s 54 games prior to the All-Star break, and even when he did make it onto the court, he was a diminished version of himself on both ends of the floor. Now, we’re uncertain what the future will hold for Joel. Will prolonged rest be able to return his body to some facisimile of the All-NBA talent we came to love? Will he require a cutting-edge surgical procedure leading to extended absence? Honestly, nothing would surprise us at this point, but when John Wall contract comparisons are being thrown around …
On the positive side of things, Daryl Morey and the front office unearthed a gem with the August signing of Guerschon Yabusele. Fresh off a terrific Olympics run with France, Yabu has more than proved he was ready to return to the NBA since joining Philadelphia. Guerschon is shooting 40.1 percent from behind the arc, bringing the thunder with the same sort of Dancing Bear dunks that we saw come crashing down on LeBron in Paris, and providing a two-way ruggedness and energy that this squad could you more of on a nightly basis. The only hiccup is that Yabusele’s success means he is in line for a big pay raise. Given the Sixers’ salary cap situation, retaining him may prove difficult if another team decides to break the bank for the Bear. However, he does seem to enjoy being in Philadelphia and may feel grateful to the Sixers for offering him his second NBA chance, so an exception may be enough to lock down Yabusele.
Back on the negative side of things, Andre Drummond was supposed to come back for the Sixers and solve the ever-present backup center quandary. Instead, he has been beset by injuries and looks nothing like the rebounding vacuum of years past. Many expected Drummond to be moved at the trade deadline, but it’s possible other teams didn’t want next year’s $5 million player option on the books. The best outcome here is probably Andre being utilized as salary filler in a deal this offseason.
We’ll end on a good note, because we need more of those with the Sixers these days. The scouting department can pat themselves on the back yet again with the second-round selection of Adem Bona. The former UCLA Bruin’s athleticism has shined as a two-way force, and he plays within himself more than the typical rookie big man. At the very least, the Sixers look to have found themselves a serviceable backup for years to come.
That’s where things stand. We have two pleasant surprises, one under team control and another who may or may not be back, one minor mistake, and a former MVP who could maybe one day approach that level again or possibly be the worst contract in the league. One thing is for sure, things won’t be predictable, but when are they ever for the Sixers?
