The Philadelphia 76ers’
2024-2025 NBA season has been marred by injuries and setbacks,
culminating in the recent decision to shut down star center Joel
Embiid for the remainder of the season due to persistent left knee
issues. 

While this move might initially
seem like a significant blow to the team’s aspirations, it could
ultimately serve as a blessing in disguise for the
franchise.

The Sixers entered the season
with high expectations, especially after acquiring veteran forward
Paul George in the offseason to complement Embiid and emerging
point guard Tyrese Maxey. However, the team’s plans were quickly
derailed by a series of injuries. Embiid, the 2023 NBA MVP, managed
to participate in only 19 games, averaging 23.8 points, 8.2
rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game before being sidelined
indefinitely due to his knee problems. 

George also faced his share of
health issues, missing significant time because of an injury to the
extensor tendon in his left fifth finger. Maxey has also been out
for some stretches during the season with some minor
ailments.

Promising rookie Jared McCain,
selected 16th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, showed flashes of
potential but was also limited by a season-ending injury, hindering
his ability to make further impact.

As a result of these setbacks,
the Sixers have struggled to find cohesion and consistency on the
court. Currently holding a 20-38 record, they sit 12th in the
Eastern Conference, 2.5 games behind the Chicago Bulls for a
potential Play-In Tournament spot. 

Given the team’s depleted roster
and lack of chemistry, even if they were to secure a play-in spot,
a deep postseason run appears unlikely with top seeds Cleveland
Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks all waiting at the
top. 

The lack of on-court time
together has prevented the development of the necessary chemistry
among the team’s core players. The trio of Embiid, George, and
Maxey has had limited opportunities to gel, which is crucial for a
newly constructed team aiming for playoff success. By shutting down
Embiid and allowing other injured players ample time to recover,
the Sixers can prioritize building team chemistry during the
offseason and enter the next season with a fully healthy and
cohesive unit.

After all, Embiid was just
playing on another level just over a year ago, before that
unfortunate injury vs the Warriors. He was playing even better than
in his MVP season, including scoring 70 points against the Spurs
when he was fully healthy. If the Sixers could somehow manage to
get that version of Embiid next season, they would be one of the
strongest championship contenders in the East.

Amid the challenges, one bright
spot has been the emergence of forward Guerschon Yabusele. At 29
years old, Yabusele has proven to be a valuable asset, showcasing
physicality, scoring instincts, and the ability to stretch the
floor with his three-point shooting. Defensively, he brings a
scrappy and gritty presence, making him an ideal fit alongside
Embiid in the frontcourt. Embiid has never played with a player of
Yabusele’s caliber at the 4 position, and it will be interesting to
see them meshing on the court with Embiid fully healthy.

As Yabusele approaches free
agency, it is imperative for the Sixers to prioritize re-signing
him to maintain and build upon the positive aspects of their
roster.

But perhaps the most significant
silver lining in this challenging season is the potential impact on
the team’s draft prospects. The Sixers’ 2025 first-round pick is
top-6 protected; if it falls beyond the 6th spot, it will convey to
the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

With the team’s current
trajectory, they are positioned to secure a high draft pick in what
is anticipated to be a deep 2025 draft class. This opportunity
could allow the Sixers to add a talented young player who can
contribute immediately and bolster the team’s future alongside a
healthy Embiid and George. 

Even further, the Sixers could
also decide to move off that pick and acquire even more win-now
pieces to maximize Embiid’s remaining prime years. There are a lot
of ways and possibilities for the Sixers to build and eventually
contend with Embiid, and it starts with this season-ending surgery
to make ample time to bounce back for the season after and
beyond.

While the decision to shut down
Joel Embiid for the season is undoubtedly disappointing for fans
and the organization, it offers a chance to regroup and focus on
long-term success. Prioritizing player health, building team
chemistry, retaining key contributors like Guerschon Yabusele, and
capitalizing on a favorable draft position could set the stage for
a resurgent 2025-2026 season. 

By embracing these challenges
and opportunities, the Philadelphia 76ers can transform this
season’s setbacks into a foundation for sustained success in the
Joel Embiid era.