It’s Over! Embiid Withdraws from NBA Preseason, Eyes Locked on Championship

The Philadelphia 76ers have officially announced that their star center, Joel Embiid, will sit out the remainder of the preseason. This decision comes after Embiid missed the first three preseason games, and with three more matchups ahead against the Hawks, Nets, and Magic, it’s clear that "The Process" will not make an appearance before the regular season begins. While fans might be worried about his absence, the 76ers were quick to clarify that Embiid's health is not deteriorating. According to the team, Embiid is progressing well in his personalized recovery regimen, with the primary focus on ensuring his knee is in peak condition for the grueling season ahead.

Embiid suffered a knee injury back in January, which limited him to just 39 regular-season games last year. Despite his limited availability, Embiid put up staggering numbers, averaging 34.7 points and 11 rebounds per game. However, the NBA's MVP criteria required players to appear in at least 65 games, and with Embiid falling short of that threshold, he missed out on the opportunity to claim back-to-back MVP titles.

Embiid's current focus isn't on MVP awards, All-NBA honors, or any other individual accolades. His sights are set solely on staying healthy for the playoffs and making a legitimate push for a championship. In fact, Embiid reportedly dropped 22 pounds before the start of training camp to relieve pressure on his knee and mitigate injury risks. The message is clear: this season is about one thing and one thing only—winning it all.

The New Big Three in Philly

This past offseason, the 76ers made waves by signing Paul George to a four-year, $212 million contract. With this move, the Sixers formed a formidable Big Three featuring George, Embiid, and rising star Tyrese Maxey. Philadelphia instantly shot to the top of the list of championship contenders. In fact, the latest championship odds place the 76ers as the fifth favorite to win it all, trailing only the Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, and reigning champions Denver Nuggets.

Interestingly, the 76ers had initially been the second favorite to emerge from the Eastern Conference. However, the Knicks recently made a major splash by trading for Karl-Anthony Towns, sending Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange. This power move shifted the balance of power, pushing New York ahead of Philly in the odds race.

Towns made his Knicks debut in a preseason matchup against his former team, the Timberwolves. He played 29 minutes and recorded a massive double-double, finishing with 16 points and 16 rebounds in a 115-110 victory. The game, however, wasn’t filled with the tension one might expect. Instead, it was a harmonious affair, with Towns and his former teammate Anthony Edwards exchanging jerseys and taking a friendly post-game photo together.

On the other hand, DiVincenzo, now with the Timberwolves, seemed to carry a chip on his shoulder. He played with intensity, putting up 15 points and 7 assists in the contest against his old team, the Knicks. The game saw DiVincenzo exchange heated words with Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau, and there was even a post-game altercation between him and Jalen Brunson’s father. DiVincenzo later clarified that his remarks toward Thibodeau weren’t about the trade but rather frustration over missing a free throw.

Embiid’s Dominance and Paul George’s Praise

Despite being a polarizing figure, no one can deny Joel Embiid’s talent. The 7-footer is widely regarded as one of the best big men in the NBA, and his numbers back it up. Over the past three seasons, Embiid has averaged at least 30 points and 10 rebounds per game, a feat that very few have achieved. Last season, despite the knee issues and limited games, he averaged 33 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in the playoffs. These aren’t numbers you can simply "stat-pad" your way to—they reflect Embiid’s dominant presence on both ends of the floor.

Paul George, one of the most seasoned players in the league, has nothing but praise for his new teammate. In his first interview after signing with the 76ers, George didn’t hold back in his admiration for Embiid, calling him “the modern-day Shaquille O’Neal.” George, a veteran of many battles, added, “This is the first time in my career I’ve ever played with such an outstanding big man.”

George’s comments are hard to argue with. Throughout his stints with the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and LA Clippers, George has never had the luxury of playing alongside an elite center like Embiid. In fact, during his time with those teams, George rarely even had an All-Star-caliber big man as a teammate.

However, while Embiid and Maxey are in their prime, George’s role on this Sixers team comes with its fair share of scrutiny. At 34 years old, George is visibly past his peak. His production in last season's playoffs was concerning, as he averaged just 19.5 points per game—his lowest playoff average in over a decade. It’s no wonder the 76ers' decision to offer him a four-year supermax contract raised eyebrows around the league.

Many view George’s deal as a high-risk gamble, with the potential to make or break Philadelphia’s championship hopes. If George can’t find his former All-Star form, the 76ers’ bold roster moves may backfire, and Embiid’s long-held dream of winning a title could go up in flames.

The Road Ahead for the 76ers

As the 76ers enter the 2024-25 season, expectations are higher than ever. The addition of George, combined with the continuing development of Maxey and the sheer dominance of Embiid, makes them a formidable force on paper. But, as always, the game isn’t played on paper. The success of this team hinges on several key factors, the most important being health.

Embiid’s decision to skip the entire preseason is undoubtedly the right move from a long-term perspective. With the regular season being a marathon rather than a sprint, it’s crucial for the Sixers to have their star big man fully fit and healthy when the games matter most—in the playoffs. The fact that Embiid has already dropped 22 pounds to reduce the strain on his knee is a promising sign that he’s taking the necessary steps to prolong his career and stay in top form when it counts.

However, the 76ers will need more than just a healthy Embiid to contend. Tyrese Maxey is poised for a breakout season, but the 23-year-old will need to prove he can consistently be the second option on a championship team. Maxey has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, but can he sustain that level of play over an entire season and into the postseason?

The biggest wildcard, though, is Paul George. There’s no question that he’s still a highly skilled player, but his recent playoff struggles raise concerns about whether he can still be a reliable go-to scorer in high-stakes situations. George’s playoff performances over the past few years have been up and down, and the 76ers will need him to deliver consistently if they hope to dethrone the other contenders in the East.

A Competitive Eastern Conference

The road to the Finals won’t be easy for the 76ers. The Eastern Conference is more competitive than ever, with multiple teams gunning for the crown. The Boston Celtics remain the favorites, having fortified their roster over the offseason. The Knicks, with the addition of Towns, have leaped past Philly in the championship odds. The Oklahoma City Thunder are also a rising force in the league, with their young core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Josh Giddey poised to make waves. And, of course, the reigning champions Denver Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic, are always a threat.

Philadelphia’s biggest question mark is depth. While their starting five is stacked with talent, their bench remains thin, particularly at the guard and wing positions. In a league where depth can make or break a playoff run, the 76ers will need to either develop their bench players or make mid-season moves to address these concerns.

For now, all eyes are on Embiid and his health. If he can stay injury-free and maintain his MVP-level play, the 76ers have a real shot at competing for a title. However, if injuries continue to plague him, and if George can’t rediscover his form, Philly's championship dreams may be dashed once again.

One thing is for certain: the 76ers have gone all-in on their quest for a title. Whether that gamble pays off remains to be seen, but with Embiid at the helm and a healthy roster, Philadelphia is one of the most intriguing teams heading into the 2024-25 NBA season.