3 reasons not to believe in Joel Embiid's Philadelphia 76ers in 2024/25

Today we woke up to the news that Joel Embiid will not play any preseason games. This wouldn't be news for half the NBA and even less so for the Philadelphia 76ers star. In 2024, it's not news that the Cameroonian is injured and unable to play. In this article, we want to analyze why we believe these new Sixers with Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey are not going to fail.

1. Joel Embiid

The first reason almost comes explained from the start: Joel Embiid is not reliable. Joel Embiid has never been healthy for the playoffs in his life, so thinking he will achieve it now that he's over 30 is overly optimistic. He won't play anything during preseason due to "an individualized treatment plan designed to promote his health and well-being." Once again, it's about his left knee, and with all due respect to Joel, this sounds more like a recommendation for a nursing home than a professional basketball player.

2. Paul George

We cannot deny that the Sixers have achieved what they wanted in the front office this preseason. Daryl Morey brought what he promised. In that sense, the planning can be considered a success. However, we believe that Paul George at 34 years old is not a guarantee. Like Embiid, he has had many physical problems in recent years and has been very inconsistent in critical playoff moments. The 2024 PG is still capable of playing at a high level, but only in phases, and when combined with the issues concerning Embiid, it doesn't provide reasons for optimism.

3. Roster

Lastly, regarding the physical aspect, we need to discuss the roster. If we add Kyle Lowry, Reggie Jackson, or Eric Gordon to the previously mentioned Embiid and George, the situation deteriorates. It's challenging to think that by combining these pieces, one can reach a Game 7 in the Eastern Finals. Even expecting Geuerschon Yabusele (despite his great performance in Europe with Real Madrid) to have the pressure of being crucial this season is not reliable...

We won't deny that there are positive aspects, a lot of signings have been made, the roster includes players like Caleb Martin or Kelly Oubre who can contribute significantly, and above all, Tyrese Maxey is evolving beyond expectations and seems like a potential star. But in terms of winning, there are many "what ifs" related to physical conditions that make these Sixers unreliable. Although nothing is impossible in the NBA.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, 3 motivos para no creer en los Philadelphia 76ers de Joel Embiid en la 2024/25