Three reasons why this could end up being the final playoff run for the Philadelphia 76ers’ current core.
Heading into the final stretch of the season, many of the NBA headlines are centered around the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Los Angeles Lakers, and perhaps rightfully so. Those are the teams that are driving the league at the moment. However, you can make the argument that the Philadelphia 76ers have a ton on the line heading into the playoffs.
The Sixers headed into this season with high expectations of potentially winning a championship. And while they’ve, for the most part, lived up to some of those expectations, this team will be judged by what they are able to do in the postseason.
What is on the line for the Philadelphia 76ers this postseason?
There is a lot on the line for the Sixers. For one, this is probably head coach Doc Rivers’ last chance to prove that he can deliver a championship for Philadelphia. Not to mention that you can argue that the entire build is on the line. James Harden can be a free agent after this season and Joel Embiid has been casually flirting with the idea of playing elsewhere.
In this article, we’ll explore three reasons why I believe that this could end up being the final playoff run for the current core in Philly.
Reason No. 1: The continued uncertainty involving James Harden
I don’t think that it’s a simple coincidence that James Harden has been linked to the Houston Rockets more than once over the last few weeks. I believe that there is pressure that is coming from his camp that is essentially telling the Sixers that either we compete for a championship this season or there’s a high likelihood that Harden could end up leaving during the offseason.
Whether that’s Harden looking to find his way to another contender or simply securing one more big payday, in the instance of the Rockets, remains to be seen. But I think there’s at least an outside chance that Harden ends up walking during the offseason.
This is quite the conspiracy theory, but would it be that outrageous if both Harden and Embiid came to the agreement that they’re going to give it one more shot with the Sixers before possibly exploring other options?
Again, this is a lot of speculation, but there are so many signs that point to this being a critical playoff run for the Sixers on multiple fronts.
Reason No. 2: Joel Embiid may be ready for a fresh start after continued disappointment
If Ben Simmons was able to pull the strings of the front office and force a trade for himself, you can only imagine how much power Joel Embiid would have if he theoretically wanted to force a trade for himself.
I’m not saying that Embiid is or isn’t going to demand a trade this offseason, but I’d have to imagine that another first or second-round playoff exit isn’t going to sit well with Embiid. The big question is whether or not he is tired of trusting the Sixers organization to build a championship-level supporting cast around him, and watching them fail at nearly every turn.
However, if the Sixers do end up having to retool the roster again around Embiid, that will prove to be easier said than done. Especially if Harden leaves. For as talented as an executive as Sam Hinkie is, I’m not sure even he could retool the roster in one offseason in a way that would make it seem attractive to Embiid.
There’s a very real chance that Embiid could end up wanting a fresh start after this season. And if he wants one, he’ll likely get one.
Reason No. 3: The path to improvement could prove to be difficult with James Harden and Joel Embiid
If James Harden remains on the roster beyond this season, the likelihood is that they’ll have to re-sign into a long-term deal. Quite frankly, I’m not sure that is something the Sixers should do, but it’s not my decision or my money.
However, if Harden does move on from the Sixers this offseason, I’m not sure there’s an easy and clear path for the Sixers to simply replace him while continuing to be a contender in the Eastern Conference.
Sure, they would have some salary cap space especially if they are also able to move off of Tobias Harris‘s contract, but I’m really not sure who Philly could target in an attempt to appease Joel Embiid.
Let’s remember, not only will the Sixers have to figure out how to continue to build around Embiid, but this is an offseason in which they likely also have to convince him to believe in the retooling of the roster once again.
That could prove to be the Sixers’ tallest task, especially if they falter early on in the playoffs again.