The Sixers have started the season poorly and have one of the worst records in the NBA. Despite a heartbreaking loss to the Knicks in the first round of the playoffs last year, fans were enthusiastic for the new season, especially after the signing of Paul George and the re-signing of 2023’s Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid (signed to a 3-year, 193 million dollar extension this September). Many believed these signings meant the Sixers were primed for a championship run.
However, on October 13th, the Sixers announced that Embiid would miss the entire preseason due to a knee injury. The organization did not specify the injury or when or how it occurred. This news left Philadelphia fans disappointed and angry at Embiid and the organization. To make things worse, the next day, the Sixers lost star Paul George after he hyperextended his knee in a preseason game. While his injury was not severe, and George returned recently against the Phoenix Suns, both Embiid and George’s injuries caused the Sixers to start the season off on the wrong foot, leaving fans to doubt whether the Sixers can even contend for the playoffs.
Unfortunately, the situation with Embiid has gotten worse than people expected. In Embiid’s first game, he looked rusty, shooting 2-11 and recording just 13 points. Additionally, the Sixers received criticism for his absence at the beginning of the season. The NBA investigated the Sixers on the star’s participation and fined the Sixers $100,000 for not providing the league consistent updates on Embiid’s left knee. Embiid has been frustrated with the criticism he has received from Sixers fans, saying in a recent statement, “I have done way too much for this f***ing city to be treated like this.” Some Philadelphia journalists took this statement to be disrespectful to the people of Philadelphia. Embiid’s frustration finally turned from words to actions when he shoved Marcus Hayes, a journalist who had brought up Joel Embiid’s dead son and brother in a recent news article. Hayes should not have made those comments, but Joel Embiid is equally wrong in pushing him. Consequently, the NBA suspended Joel Embiid for three games.
After the slow start, Sixers fans have been left to ponder what is next for the organization. The Sixers went all in on this roster and, so far, it has not paid off. Although there is plenty of time in the season, and rookie Jared McCain has been a bright spot on this team, the Sixers are going to have to make some moves to remain competitive in times when Joel Embiid is not on the floor.
In the big picture, the Sixers do not have a lot of time left if they want to win a championship. Embiid is 30 years old and may not have a lot of good basketball left because of his knee issues and Paul George’s window is also closing at 34 years old. If the Sixers can stay healthy and get everybody on the court at the same time, they have one of the most talented rosters and are a playoff contender. But, up to now, this has not been the case. The Sixers need to get it together. Their finals hopes are not zero, but the time for success is running out.
