The 76ers have put together a lineup that has a lot of people around the league paying attention, and for at least the next two seasons, Philadelphia looks loaded. The starting five, on paper, is the kind of group that can give opponents real problems.
But there’s one major concern hanging over all of it: Joel Embiid.
ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins said he wasn’t impressed by what he saw from Embiid in one preseason game, and he pointed specifically to how the big man was moving.
“I didn't like the way that Joel Embiid looked last night. I didn't like the way that he was getting up and down the floor...to me, he wasn't moving well, which pointed to me that says LeBron James is gonna play a lot of center position this year.
LeBron James is gonna have to and guess what? The Philadelphia 76ers actually could win the Eastern Conference this year, and make it to the NBA Finals with LeBron James playing majority of the center position,” Perkins said.
That uncertainty has opened the door to some wild speculation, including a potential Embiid-for-Anthony Davis deal. CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn tied the idea to the broader offseason chatter around Davis and LeBron James.
“I mean ... we spent a month in free agency hearing about how much LeBron James would like to reunite with Anthony Davis. These aren't hard dots to connect here, though a trade really only makes sense if Davis stays healthy and Embiid struggles,” Quinn wrote.
There’s also another layer to the Davis situation. His agent, Rich Paul, is reportedly looking into possible trade routes, with an extension with the Washington Wizards not seeming likely.
“But Davis’ agent, Rich Paul, is one of the game’s most powerful player representatives, and he has proven skilled at securing the deals his high-profile clients want, in the cities where they want to be. There’s little doubt that Paul already has gamed out other teams’ interest in Davis and will continue to do so as February’s trade deadline approaches,” The Athletic’s Josh Robbins wrote.
From a basketball standpoint, a swap like that could make sense for Philadelphia. It would bring James together with a player he knows well and add Davis’ defense to the mix.
In Other News...
Sixers Broadcast Just Added A Familiar NBA Voice For Game Coverage
NBC Sports Philadelphia is making a notable addition to its 76ers broadcast team, bringing in Tom Haberstroh as sideline reporter for the clubs live game coverage. Haberstroh, a familiar NBA voice to many viewers, is set to be on the floor for the teams final preseason game on October 16 before formally debuting on the regular-season opener on October 24.
The move gives the network another experienced presence around the team as it gears up for the season, while Amy Fadool will continue to have a major role as well. She is slated to serve as sideline reporter for select games and to lead the networks live gameday shows, giving Philadelphia viewers a broadcast setup with both continuity and a new wrinkle to watch once the games count. [Read more 🡒]
76ers Suddenly Have A Backup Center Decision Fans Should Watch
Dominick Barlow has barely factored into the 76ers preseason to this point, and it is starting to look as if he may not get much of a chance to change that before opening night. Philadelphias rotation is still taking shape, but the team has clearly given more run to other frontcourt options as it sorts through who can fill the backup center spot behind the starters.
Jabari Walker and Dean Wade have both logged more playing time and appear to be ahead in the pecking order for now, which leaves Barlow in a tricky spot as the roster decisions tighten. With the regular season approaching, the 76ers still have time to sort through the details, but this is one of the quieter battles worth watching as the final rotation comes into focus. [Read more 🡒]
Nick Nurse Has One Last 76ers Rotation Call To Make
The 76ers head into their preseason finale against the Celtics with one last look at the roster before the games start to count, and there are still a few rotation decisions hanging in the balance. Justin Edwards and Labaron Philon Jr. have flashed at times but have also had their uneven moments, while Adem Bonas left foot sprain has kept him out entirely as Philadelphia continues to manage both health and development.
Nick Nurse and his staff are using this final tune-up to sort through those competing factors and settle on the shape of the opening-night group. The challenge is familiar for a team still trying to define roles: weigh the performances that have stood out, account for who is available, and decide which young players are ready for real minutes when the regular season begins. [Read more 🡒]