Section 215
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Sixers Can Move Forward Even Without A Healthy Joel Embiid

By George Kondoleon

Jan 11, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (L) practices with center Joel Embiid (R) before a game against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (L) practices with center Joel Embiid (R) before a game against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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As Joel Embiid is set to go under the knife once again, the Sixers rebuild is starting to look slightly more bleak.

The Sixers rebuild seemingly always used to hinge on the health of Joel Embiid. Through two seasons of nothingness, Embiid was set to be the savior of the franchise due to his unlimited talents. And for the 31 games he played this season, it seemed like those forecasts were correct.

The talent of the big man is no longer in question, but after the Sixers announced that he will need surgery to repair his torn meniscus, many are starting to wonder whether Embiid will ever consistently stay on the court. It’s a fair question considering has past injury issues, but even without Embiid ever staying healthy, the rebuild can move forward.

It almost seems insane to say. Because in the 31 times Embiid stepped onto the court it seemed like the talent level of the Sixers rose two tiers. A healthy Embiid would obviously put the Sixers in position to be the brightest team over the next few seasons, but the organization has to start thinking about life without him being healthy.

The Sixers still hold 2016 top pick Ben Simmons, who is hopeful to make a healthy return next season after a foot injury of his own. Simmons is an elite passing talent that can change the formation of this roster thanks to his versatile 6’10 frame. Although not much of a scorer or an impact on defense, Simmons still possesses intangibles that can make him an franchise player.

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Putting him next to the iron-man in Dario Saric would give the Sixers a dynamic passing attack, even with some positional overlap. Saric has been the most important player to this seasons Philadelphia team, and has shown a willingness to take on an offensive workload. Saric has averaged 19.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game since the All-Star break.

He’s also shooting more effectively, seeing his true shooting percentage increase by .041% since the break. Saric has been a huge surprise in terms of expectations, but this isn’t just some flash in the pan. Saric’s development since being drafted in 2014 has seen incredible results. The once raw prospect without a clear role has turned himself into a gritty front-court scorer and clear leader for Rookie of the Year.

Outside of those two main building blocks, the Sixers possess a raw developing role player in Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot. The frenchman has gotten a lot more playing time in the past few weeks, and is doing a decent job of showing his potential. His outside shot is fairly consistent, although we will soon see a plea for him to shoot it more. He’s springy and long, and still learning the intricacies of footwork on both sides of the ball. Maybe not a main piece yet, but a good one to have during the rebuild.

Now, add in the shower of future draft picks the team possesses. Assuming the Lakers fall within the top three this season, the Sixers will have just one shot at nabbing another young star, most likely in the top five. Talking about any of the top five prospects would get any organization excited, so even with only one pick the Sixers are still in good shape.

They would then own the Lakers’ 2018 unprotected pick and their own pick. Then a year after that they possess the Kings’ 2019 unprotected pick, and their own pick once again. The team has assets to 1) continue to scour for a young star or 2) push those assets to land a blockbuster trade. The assets Sam Hinkie has accumulated will allow Bryan Colangelo an ultimate failsafe, even if the projected face of the franchise will once again find himself recovering from surgery.

Joel Embiid is a unique and dominant prospect that could very well change not only the direction of the franchise, but impact the expectations of the modern-age big man. His ability to work the post on offense, hit the outside shot, and be a difference maker defensively may only be rivaled by some of the elite big men in the league. It’s obvious how a healthy Embiid would push the Sixers forward, but what’s hidden is the Sixers ability to scrape through this rebuild even without him.

The Sixers future rightfully is getting more speculation than it did in October, but the potential for building a top-level team will still be there. The timeline of it all may be slowed down to an extent if Embiid were never able to stay on the court, but the plan for a brighter future will still be in effect.

Next: Is Paul George Worth The Haul For The Sixers?

The team must continue with smart, calculated drafting. But Philadelphia is still in fighting shape despite its biggest piece having serious injury concerns. With a majorly pivotal summer ahead, the future lies with calculated risk to find the next player to move the Sixers forward, with Embiid or without.