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Sixers’ Decision Making May Still Be Affected By Joel Embiid’s Health

By George Kondoleon

Jan 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts to his three pointer with guard Nik Stauskas (11) during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Wells Fargo Center. The Houston Rockets won123-118. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts to his three pointer with guard Nik Stauskas (11) during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Wells Fargo Center. The Houston Rockets won123-118. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Sixers are in the midst of key roster moves, but the health of Joel Embiid could still be what the team hinges on.

When the Sixers took Jahlil Okafor with the third pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, many thought of it as a failsafe in case Embiid never stayed healthy. The team bolstered young defensive stud Nerlens Noel, but Okafor was viewed as a potential star at the center position despite glaring weaknesses.

Fast forward a season and a half, Okafor is now in the midst of serious trade talks, specifically with the New Orleans Pelicans. Okafor has yet to show consistency to pin him as a sure thing. In fact, his struggles put him out of the regular rotation.

The Sixers must decide what they’ll do with two of their three centers. If they are ready to ship Okafor, what does that mean for Noel? Noel will be entering restricted free agency this summer and is looking to pull in big offers.

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It may seem ludicrous to pay a backup center over $20 million, but given the talent of Noel, it may be something the team considers. Joel Embiid’s health plays a factor here. Embiid will most likely continue minutes restriction the entire season.

Don’t be surprised if the Sixers decide to rest him more than the average player next season as well. This cautiousness could be what keeps Noel around. The possibility Embiid suffers another injury will always be there, and Noel has proven to be more impactful in the starting lineup than Okafor has been.

That’s why there’s a discussion on keeping Noel. The Sixers could very well find a good backup veteran center for nearly half the price of Noel, but the team suffers a huge step back if Embiid is injured and the signed veteran suddenly becomes a big piece.

The Sixers still have a projected star in Ben Simmons, who has also faced a foot injury. But the rebuild has centered around Embiid, and if an injury effectively ends his stardom the Sixers could place Noel as their center of the future and still see an impactful young piece grow with the team.

Airing on the side of cautious when it comes to such a huge financial decision may seem whimsical. But despite Embiid’s immediate stardom, he is still just over 30 career-NBA games.

His talent is unquestioned, but his health is far from a sure thing, yet. Noel can be a failsafe until the Sixers decide to go all in on Embiid. Matching a huge offer may not seem to make sense at first, but the team could be mitigating risk.

Noel getting a contract from Philadelphia doesn’t ensure his long-term future. The Sixers could sign him, decide Embiid is fully healthy, and ship Noel down the road.

Next: Trade Winds Swirling Around Jahlil Okafor

Embiid finally stepped onto the court, but his health still plays a huge factor in the team’s decision making.