Philadelphia 76ers: 3 concerns on troubling start to season

Philadelphia 76ers concern #3: Joel Embiid’s health

This Philadelphia 76ers team is the most reliant on Joel Embiid in recent memory, and that’s always a question mark. In his career, the big man has never played in over 64 games, suiting up in only 51 each in the last two seasons.

Without Embiid, this Sixers team doesn’t have a Ben Simmons to run the offense anymore. Say what you like about his shooting ability, but his passing skills and downhill finishing contribute to a successful offense.

If Joel goes down at any point in the season, which history says he will, a Tobias Harris-led Sixers team isn’t scaring many opponents. Last season, Philadelphia was 10-11 without Embiid, a record that indicates a non-playoff team. Furthermore, they haven’t gotten any better in terms of depth or star power, pointing towards similar results if they ever have to compete without the All-NBA big man.

Overall, it’s tough to list the Philadelphia 76ers as a true ‘contender’ for this season, as they have far too many issues and concerns already.  Daryl Morey has quite the challenge on his hands.