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flyerhawk
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The 76ers signed Joel Embiid for 5 years 148 million. The contract has some really complex language in it. Basically if gives the Sixers an out if Embiid misses a lot of time due to previous injuries, specifically related to his feet and back.
On the face of it, it seems like a pretty crazy decision by the Sixers. Regardless of the injury risks, Embiid has only played 31 games in his NBA career. Can you really assume that those 31 games are what his career will be? What if he was just hot?
Those supporting the deal will say that his kind of play is undeniably good. He was en elite rim protector from the moment he stepped on the court. He has better foot speed that almost any other 7 footer in memory. If you can reliably get 70 games a year out of him there is no question that he would be as good or better than a Hassan Whiteside.
To me, from a purely basketball perspective, there was no reason to make this deal. They could have waited to see how he does this season and acted accordingly.
HOWEVER, the off the court factors weigh heavily. The Sixers engaged in arguably the most extreme case of tankapalooza in NBA history. The fans mostly stuck through it. Now they are expecting something in return. They want to believe in Embiid and see that the organization does as well. JoJo is one of the most popular young players in the league and maybe the biggest star in Philly. Even if he can't stay healthy, he is an icon that the Sixers can't let go.
On the face of it, it seems like a pretty crazy decision by the Sixers. Regardless of the injury risks, Embiid has only played 31 games in his NBA career. Can you really assume that those 31 games are what his career will be? What if he was just hot?
Those supporting the deal will say that his kind of play is undeniably good. He was en elite rim protector from the moment he stepped on the court. He has better foot speed that almost any other 7 footer in memory. If you can reliably get 70 games a year out of him there is no question that he would be as good or better than a Hassan Whiteside.
To me, from a purely basketball perspective, there was no reason to make this deal. They could have waited to see how he does this season and acted accordingly.
HOWEVER, the off the court factors weigh heavily. The Sixers engaged in arguably the most extreme case of tankapalooza in NBA history. The fans mostly stuck through it. Now they are expecting something in return. They want to believe in Embiid and see that the organization does as well. JoJo is one of the most popular young players in the league and maybe the biggest star in Philly. Even if he can't stay healthy, he is an icon that the Sixers can't let go.