76ers' Biggest Roster Concern May Be Completely Overblown

The Philadelphia 76ers have some concerns at the center position, specifically regarding the depth, but it shouldn’t be something to worry about. 

While the depth at center has had many feeling some type of way, let’s remember that this new game of basketball doesn’t require the traditional center to be in command and occupy the paint. Besides, even with Joel Embiid’s injuries, he’ll show up when it matters the most.

In the 38 games that Embiid played last season, he was very efficient when he was on the court. Embiid averaged 26.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, and he was the focal point of the team. If there is one thing we learned about this 76ers team so far in the preseason, it is that they can push the pace, and you don’t know who will end up with the ball. 

In all honesty, you truly just have to get through the East. Many teams, like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and Detroit Pistons, have bigs that can make life hard. However, when they go against a player like Embiid, the play style changes. 

Embiid averaged over 26 points between the three teams, and it’s also part of why the 76ers were a problem when the playoffs started. Let’s also remember there’s going to be a guy named LeBron James on the floor. James is going to find the mismatch every time down the court, and it’s going to put his East opponents in a frenzy. Those starters of Philadelphia will make the center position obsolete offensively because of the way they play. If they can get the big men out of position or out on the perimeter, it’ll make it easier to exploit.

The center depth is only depleted due to injury. Adem Bona is expected to be back before the season starts, and Tacko Fall may still stay on the roster due to the loss of Ariel Hukporti. When these guys return, the concern for the lack of depth will go away, and it’s just going to be about how the starters can keep this team afloat.

If there are some alterations, the main player to go to center is still unclear behind Bona. Head coach Nick Nurse has said that James and Dean Wade would be options to play when they move to the small ball lineups. 

It may be a problem now, but this won’t last. Which is why the 76ers should remain calm and ride the wave, as they’ll surely get their bench back and it’s going to be back to normal.