NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
There are no moral victories here. There are no silver linings here either. The Philadelphia 76ers, despite having the league’s MVP in Joel Embiid and the league assists leader in James Harden, are on the couch watching the rest of the NBA playoffs, yet again. While the front office may be thinking “run it back” this is not the team you want to do that with. It’s time to blow this team up and start over.
Trading Joel Embiid should be on the table but in order for that to become a reality, the haul must be monumental. He’s the reigning MVP and anything less than 3 starters and draft picks is not going to cut it. If they decide to keep Embiid, they must build around him and Tyrese Maxey. Everyone else is fair game.
Tobias Harris and his $36M payday for next season must go. He’s not the player he once was or they thought he would be and both parties should be looking for a divorce. While he did play well against the Brooklyn Nets in the first round, he totally vanished against the Boston Celtics. There has to be a team out there willing to take on his contract and give the Sixers not only some cap relief but players in return.
The Philadelphia 76ers also signed PJ Tucker to a two-year deal last summer and while some are on the fence regarding his production, he’s another player the 76ers must shop. He was supposed to provide that “dawg mentality” and be the missing piece. His defense was solid but at his age, Tucker is not providing too much. It’s time for a real PF.
Bench players come and go and that is one area where the Philadelphia 76ers must improve. During the regular season, Doc Rivers could play players more which in turn built confidence in guys like Georges Niang, Shake Milton, De’Anthony Melton, and Paul Reed. But once the playoffs began and the rotations were shortened, those same players who helped them get that 3rd seed were left with their warmups on.
What Are The Plans For The Philadelphia 76ers
Harden is a big piece here and the biggest decision. If he opts into his remaining year, what does that mean for Philly? While he played well during the season and in spurts throughout the playoffs, is he worth that max contract he’s seeking? Can the Philadelphia 76ers count on him when things get tight or will he put up another playoff dud? It’s time to let Harden go with a possible sign and trade with another team. No need to let a player of that caliber walk and get nothing in return.
Then there is the issue of a coach. With news that Doc Rivers was let go, the Philadelphia 76ers are looking for a new leader. This was the first domino to fall but it shouldn’t be the last. Now, it’s up to the front office to build what they believe is a championship roster. Joel Embiid and Maxey should by all accounts be the cornerstones moving forward with everyone else being made available.
It’s a tough pill to swallow after winning over 50 games but it’s clear that the issue within the Philadelphia 76ers runs deeper than Rivers. The team must find perimeter defenders and reliable shooters, and a coach willing to put Embiid in the post and not at the top of the key as Rivers did this season.
It’s hard to say blow up a 54-win team but when that team continues to fall short with the talent they have, it’s time to change things.
