The Philadelphia 76ers’ offseason moves generated excitement. They brought Paul George into the fold alongside franchise cornerstone Joel Embiid and rising star Tyrese Maxey. However, even before the season tips off, reality has come crashing down for 76ers fans. A hyperextended knee injury to Paul George during a preseason game and Embiid’s precautionary absence from the remainder of the preseason have provided a harsh glimpse into what may become a recurring nightmare for the 76ers—navigating a season without two of their biggest weapons.
NBA Business: 76ers’ House of Cards Already ‘Crumbling’
The Constant Risk of Injury To Paul George And Joel Embiid
George, who recently signed a four-year, $212 million deal after a five-year stint with the Los Angeles Clippers, is no stranger to injuries. In fact, his past seasons have been marred by various setbacks including shoulder and leg injuries. Unfortunately for 76ers fans, George’s knee injury is a stark reminder of how fragile their team’s future is. The duo of George and Embiid could be plagued by injuries. This is a concern that has long followed both players throughout their careers.
Embiid, on the other hand, is a perennial MVP candidate, but his health is always a question mark. Embiid’s decision to sit out the remainder of the preseason—and possibly to avoid playing back-to-back games moving forward—indicates the toll that the grind of the NBA season has taken on his body. Last season, he missed key games and the team suffered a first-round exit against the New York Knicks. The fear of seeing their superstar sidelined during crucial moments now looms larger than ever.
Impact on Team Chemistry
The Sixers built their team around this new “Big Three.” However, if two of the pillars are consistently absent, it threatens the very structure they’ve painstakingly put together. Chemistry is a crucial factor for any championship team. A cohesive unit requires time on the court together, learning each other’s tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses. Without consistent play from George and Embiid, the Sixers may struggle to build that crucial rapport in the early part of the season.
Nick Nurse, is known for his tactical brilliance and ability to make the best of what he has. But even Nurse faces an uphill battle if his star players can’t stay healthy. The regular season might not be the problem. The Sixers are likely capable of piling up wins even in a weakened Eastern Conference. The challenge arises when the playoffs come around. Depth and chemistry can make or break a team’s title hopes.
Morey’s Offseason Mastery
Thankfully, General Manager Daryl Morey prepared for such possibilities. This offseason, the 76ers not only signed George but also bolstered their roster with experienced players and valuable role pieces. These signings give them a solid rotation, one capable of weathering storms if their stars are out for short stretches.
However, the Sixers’ margin for error remains razor-thin. Morey did an excellent job securing talented players. Even the best depth can’t replace the sheer talent and impact that George and Embiid bring to the floor. Morey’s masterstroke may allow the Sixers to remain competitive throughout the regular season. However come playoff time, their title aspirations will rest squarely on the shoulders of their star trio—should they stay upright.
A Delicate Gamble
The Sixers’ decision to invest over $100 million in two injury-prone stars—Embiid and George—is nothing short of a gamble. Together, their contracts account for $100.6 million of the team’s cap space. If injuries derail their seasons, the Sixers’ flexibility to adjust and pivot will be limited.
76ers fans are justified in their concerns. The team’s future is a house of cards built on the health of George and Embiid. As they experienced in the 2023-24 season when Embiid’s injuries derailed their playoff hopes, the Sixers are always one bad injury away from watching their title dreams crumble.
An Injury to Paul George and/or Joel Embiid Crashes the 76ers House of Cards
While the Sixers will likely win plenty of games in the regular season, the playoff picture remains murky. If George and Embiid continue to miss time, their absence will haunt the team in the playoffs, where the stakes are highest. Nurse can work his magic, and Morey can continue to assemble talent, but the success of this team ultimately depends on its fragile stars staying healthy.
Philadelphia’s hopes for an NBA title rest precariously on the shoulders of Embiid and George. As the 2024-25 season looms, Sixers fans must prepare themselves for a future filled with what-ifs. Their house of cards may stand tall, but it only takes a breeze of bad luck to send it tumbling down.
