Abdelrahman
The Philadelphia 76ers are currently facing a challenging situation, having dropped seven straight games. With a record of 20-36, they sit in 12th place in the Eastern Conference and have little room for error if they hope to qualify for the playoffs, which may only be achievable through a successful Play-In Tournament run.
Unfortunately, positive news is becoming scarce for the Sixers, especially with reports indicating that their star player, Joel Embiid, is contemplating additional treatment options for a persistent knee injury that has restricted him to just 19 appearances this season. This Monday, he is set to miss his 38th game, and Embiid has hinted at the possibility of undergoing another knee surgery, stating after a recent loss to the Boston Celtics that, “I believe I probably need to fix the problem to get back to that level.”
According to reports from Shams Charania of ESPN, several options are on the table for Embiid, as the current treatment consisting of knee injections doesn’t seem to be effective for the reigning MVP. Tests are expected this week to help outline the best course of action, but it’s clear what the organization should prioritize regardless of the results.
The Sixers should seriously consider shutting down Embiid for the remainder of the season.
This suggestion is not overly audacious, given that he has only played in 19 games so far. With 26 games left in the season, he was likely going to miss a significant number of them. Initially, there was ambiguity surrounding the severity of his knee condition, and without any visible improvement, it appears he should not have been on the court this season.
Why the 76ers Should Consider a Season Shutdown for Embiid and George
The most sensible decision at this point is to place Embiid on the bench for the rest of the year and redirect their focus toward the upcoming NBA Draft, where the Sixers hold the sixth-best odds to secure the No. 1 overall pick. In addition, it might be wise to also sit Paul George, who has been managing pain in his left pinky finger due to an extensor tendon injury requiring regular injections since January 25. Although George has valiantly played through the discomfort, he has only appeared in 37 games this season due to various injuries and has struggled to perform at his usual level.
It is evidently time for the franchise to shift its priorities and embrace a more strategic approach for the future. If the Sixers’ management needs further motivation, it’s important to remember that their first-round pick in this draft will go to the Oklahoma City Thunder if it falls outside the top six. This should serve as a compelling reason to end the season prematurely.
Currently, if the season wrapped up today, Philadelphia would have a 45.8% chance (according to Tankathon) of landing a top-six pick, which they would retain. However, if their pick were to land at No. 7 or lower, it would be forfeited to the Thunder.
At this juncture, it’s difficult to foresee the Sixers making a significant postseason run (despite recent optimism from team ownership), especially since Embiid has struggled throughout the season. While the team may aim to secure a play-in spot, it could ultimately do more harm than good in the long term.
A Model to Emulate
The Sixers should take a lesson from the 2023 Dallas Mavericks. Two years prior, the Mavericks opted to tank their final games to preserve their top-10 protected pick, leading them to miss the playoffs. This strategy paid off handsomely when they retained the 2023 pick (No. 10) and selected rising star Dereck Lively II, who became an integral part of their roster and contributed to a successful run to the NBA Finals the following season.
The Sixers could follow suit by targeting a promising young player in the upcoming draft to enhance their roster. Even if they are not inclined to keep the pick, they could leverage it in potential trades this summer; however, if they fall outside the top six, they lose that opportunity for negotiation.
Making this decision should be straightforward, especially considering how adversely this season has unfolded. Even if the Sixers are concerned about public perception—something I doubt—they would not endure nearly as much backlash as the Mavericks faced two years ago. Dallas was not pressured by injuries and had just made a blockbuster trade for Kyrie Irving with championship aspirations. They pivoted once their losses accumulated, prioritizing their first-round pick over a mere play-in appearance. Ultimately, that strategic decision proved sound.
The 76ers are in a vastly different predicament today, so opting for a tanking strategy would not be perceived as a poor choice. Instead, it could be regarded as a prudent move to keep both Embiid and George off the court for the remainder of the season, fostering recovery and ensuring a strong lineup for the next season with a greater chance of competing for the championship. Currently, they are caught in a dilemma between risking a valuable first-round pick and striving for a fruitless play-in spot. We await results from the upcoming assessments of Embiid’s knee, but it seems the franchise should have made this decision at least a month ago.
