Philadelphia 76ers GM Sends Clear Joel Embiid Message on Monday
The Philadelphia 76ers had as bad a 2024-25 season as they could have imagined. Their major offseason moves didn't end up working as Paul George looked like a shell of the star we saw on the Clippers, while other stars like Tyrese Maxey and former MVP Joel Embiid missed considerable time due to injury.
Embiid has played less than 50% of the games in his career, and his durability seems to be waning by the season. After only playing 19 games in 24-25, Embiid was ruled out to help the 76ers optimize their draft lottery odds amid constant losses.
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With a long offseason ahead where the 76ers hope Embiid finally overcomes his injury issue, GM Daryl Morey has set a clear expectation for Embiid upon his return during his recent appearance on the 'Rights to Ricky Sanchez: The Sixers Podcast.'
'If Joel comes back—it's going to be at a very high level. I actually don't see a scenario where he's fading. (…) I understand that wasn't his best year. My point is different though. My point is—I see him playing at a high level, and that's so important to him that he will either get himself there or not. That's my feeling. I think he views himself—correctly—as an MVP-level guy.'
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
With the 76ers hoping to jump up in the 2025 Draft Lottery today, the franchise might land a prospect to help guarantee a succession plan after 31-year-old Joel Embiid's prime is over.
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At this point, Embiid might need to show the organization he can still be an MVP-caliber player to ensure he doesn't get the same fate as Luka Doncic and is subjected to a shock trade. A top 2025 draft pick would also give the 76ers a roadmap to the future, with young stars like Maxey and Jared McCain on the roster.
Morey might be trying to send a message to 76ers Nation that Embiid is still the superstar he is, but it might also be a message to the star himself. Morey is notorious for his cutthroat trade dealings, so this message at least laid out what Morey expects from Embiid upon his return next season.
Related: Lakers Fans Hate Trade Idea Bringing Them Joel Embiid To Form Superstar Big 3
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