Joel Embiid’s preseason disaster raises scary questions for the 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers' hopes for a championship remain heavily reliant on Joel Embiid, even after the team signed LeBron James and Jaylen Brown over the offseason. Embiid was once considered the best player in the NBA during January 2024, but the Philadelphia team now struggles with a lack of center depth, particularly after backup Ariel Hukporti suffered a season-ending injury.

In the worst possible preseason showing, Embiid looked absolutely terrible during his 24 minutes on the court against the Brooklyn Nets. Shooting just 1-of-5 and committing eight turnovers, Embiid exhibited significant physical and mental struggles, making crucial errors and looking washed out. One particularly embarrassing moment came when he failed to jump for an alley-oop pass, then missed an easy layup.

Despite the preseason nature of the game, Embiid's performance raises legitimate concerns about his ability to perform on the court, especially for a player who earns over $58 million a season. With the 76ers lacking significant center depth, Embiid's performance could impact the team's playoff chances, potentially forcing him to play in as few as 45 games.

This disappointing performance also highlights issues with Embiid's professionalism and mental focus, which have been questioned even during his peak years. As the season progresses, Embiid's performance will be crucial in determining the Sixers' success in both the regular season and playoffs.