The Philadelphia 76ers choosing to extend the contract of Joel Embiid could be the reason they hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
The Philadelphia 76ers' decision to pay Joel Embiid a three-year, $187 million contract extension could haunt them for years to come. Or, it will make former President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey look like a genius post-firing.
In the eyes of Bleacher Report, it will be the former, as B/R's Dan Favale named Embiid's deal the worst in the entire NBA ahead of the likes of Trae Young and Paul George.
But there is a serious argument to be made that Morey and company's choice to pay Embiid that contract was the right decision.
Embiid and the Sixers reached agreement on the lucrative extension in September 2024, which was the year after the 32-year-old won his lone MVP. Yes, there were still some injury concerns back then, but nowhere near to the extent the last three seasons have illustrated.
The front office had every right to believe in his talent and still should to this day.
Embiid, when healthy, is the most talented big man in the league. His blend of size, athleticism, shooting touch, and interior defense is unmatched by any player across the association.
Of course you can argue none of that matters if he's not on the floor, but it's worth the gamble. To put it plainly, the 76ers cannot win a championship without Embiid even after the blockbuster acquisition of Jaylen Brown. Having a 1A player is a necessity to a championship team, and Embiid is one of few that fit that description in the NBA.
With the core of Tyrese Maxey, Brown, and V.J. Edgecombe surrounding him, all it will take is one healthy postseason run. Embiid was not at full strength against the Boston Celtics in the first round of the NBA playoffs last season but still managed to dominate the series, leading Philadelphia to a 3-1 comeback.
Even if that level of play can be sustained, the 76ers' worst decision suddenly turns into a blessing in disguise.
Join The 76ersRoundtable
Head over to the 76ersRoundtable page and hit the "Join" button at the top of the page... it's completely FREE! You'll have the opportunity to engage with other 76ers fans who live and breathe the team, share your thoughts on the organization, and more. If you're asked to sign up or download the Roundtable app... that's free too.
Anthony Pasciolla is the publisher of 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached via email at [email protected] or followed on X @AnthonyPasci.
