Daryl Morey swung for the fences this summer time, including Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers roster. The hope was that George might elevate Nick Nurse’s group into championship rivalry. On paper, the Sixers had an elite participant on the guard, wing and massive positions.
Nevertheless, George’s addition did not come with out danger. Each he and Joel Embiid have struggled for availability lately. Due to this fact, there was no assure Nurse would have a totally wholesome roster obtainable for a major time period. Sadly for Sixers followers, that concern has rapidly turn out to be a actuality.
Embiid has performed simply 13 video games this season. He has been coping with a string of accidents, which have sidelined him because the Sixers have stumbled into the eleventh seed within the Japanese Convention. Proper now, there is no assure Philadelphia will make the playoffs, not to mention contend for a championship.
On Friday, the Sixers introduced Embiid, who has missed the final six video games, could be sidelined for an additional seven to 10 days. He reportedly skilled swelling in his knee after a exercise session. His absence might now lengthen near the All-Star break.
To make issues worse, George has but to achieve the extent required of him. He is averaging 17.2 factors, 5.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists, however these numbers aren’t ok, particularly with out Embiid on the court docket to assist cowl up the gaps.
Dropping Embiid for an additional week or extra is a hammer blow for the Sixers. Their potential to safe postseason basketball is slipping away with every passing defeat. Moreover, Nurse’s perfect beginning 5 have not had sufficient time collectively — they aren’t forming championship habits.
Philadelphia’s struggles this season aren’t what Morey would have envisioned after a robust summer time of recruitment. Nonetheless, the chance was clear to everybody. Embiid is at all times going to be an harm concern, and that drastically lowers the Sixers’ championship ceiling, doubtless for the whole thing of his time with the franchise.
