Joel Embiid has been one of the best players in the NBA over the last few years and finally won his first MVP award in 2023. For all that success on an individual level in the regular season though, Embiid hasn’t been able to lead the Philadelphia 76ers past the Eastern Conference Semifinals so far.
It led to reports surfacing regarding a potential exit, but a Sixers insider reported the team considers him to be untouchable. That stance might change, however, if they don’t make the Eastern Conference Finals next year, as per Matt Johnson from Sportsnaut.
“While the 76ers would receive significant interest from around the league if they decided to trade Embiid, it’s not the approach ownership or the front office wants to take right now,” Johnson wrote. “However, that stance will likely change in 2024 if Philadelphia can’t reach the Eastern Conference Finals.”
If they have another disappointing postseason exit next year, both parties might be interested in parting ways. The Sixers have to be commended for making the playoffs in each of the last six seasons, but they have shot themselves in the foot time and time again after making it in.
This year probably was their best chance at finally getting to the Conference Finals after they went up 3-2 against the Boston Celtics, but it wasn’t to be.
Can Nick Nurse Change The Sixers’ Fortunes?
Three straight exits in the Conference Semifinals led to Doc Rivers being fired and his replacement is Nick Nurse, who led the Toronto Raptors to the title in 2019. Nurse had a lot of teams interested in his services, but he chose to sign with the Sixers because of Embiid.
He also sold the front office a vision for the team centered around Embiid and it seems he has some grand plans in mind. Unfortunately for Nurse, the Sixers’ hopes for next season rest entirely on James Harden. If he decides to stay, then you would back Nurse to get this group to the Conference Finals, but if he leaves, then this team is just not a serious contender for a championship.
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