Part 2: The 76ers Fell Apart, Embiid’s Next Five Years, and Week 12 NFL Picks With Chris Ryan and Joe House
The Bill Simmons Podcast
Deep Dive
Why is Joel Embiid playing despite his health issues?
The Sixers' management has a history of prioritizing short-term gains over long-term health, exemplified by their handling of Embiid's Olympic participation and extension. Embiid's fans and the team have a culture of accepting losses for potential future gains, which may explain why he's being played despite obvious health concerns.
What are the key issues with the Philadelphia 76ers' current season?
The Sixers are 2-12, with a fourth-worst net differential in the NBA. Key issues include Embiid's health, team chemistry, and coaching. Embiid's conditioning and ability to stay in shape are compared unfavorably to top players like Giannis and Tatum, and there's a lack of cohesion and trust within the team.
How does the current 76ers team compare to previous iterations?
The current Sixers team is aging, with Embiid looking older than his 30 years and the roster filled with veterans on mercenary contracts. This is similar to the team's state when Doug Collins left, indicating a lack of progress despite years of rebuilding and high expectations.
What are the implications of Embiid's health and playing status for the Sixers?
Embiid's health is crucial for the Sixers' success. His inability to stay healthy and in shape impacts the team's performance and chemistry. The constant updates on his health create a negative narrative and affect team morale. A prolonged absence could help him recover and potentially rejuvenate the team's performance later in the season.
Why is there a lack of trust and communication within the 76ers' locker room?
The lack of trust and communication within the Sixers' locker room is due to a combination of factors, including Embiid's inconsistent health, his accountability issues, and the team's frequent roster changes. These issues have led to a breakdown in team chemistry and an environment where details of internal conflicts are leaked to the media.
What are the potential long-term consequences for the 76ers if they continue with the current trajectory?
If the Sixers continue on their current path, they risk missing the playoffs or being eliminated early, which would be seen as a failure given their high expectations. Embiid's health and performance are critical, and any further decline could signal the end of his prime years, making it difficult to build a championship-caliber team around him.
How does Embiid's current performance compare to his earlier years?
Embiid's current performance shows a decline in mobility and defensive impact compared to his earlier years. While he can still score effectively, his ability to rebound and defend has deteriorated, making him less effective on the court and more prone to injury.
What are the betting odds and predictions for the 76ers' playoff chances?
The Sixers have a minus 215 odds to make the playoffs, with a projected win total of 38.5, which would place them near the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference. They need to finish ahead of five teams to secure a playoff spot, which includes overcoming teams like Washington, Toronto, and Charlotte.
What are the key factors contributing to the 76ers' poor start to the season?
Key factors include Embiid's health issues, the team's poor communication and chemistry, and the coaching staff's inability to galvanize the team. The roster changes and the lack of a clear identity on the court have also contributed to their poor performance.
What are the potential outcomes for the 76ers if they continue to struggle?
If the Sixers continue to struggle, they risk missing the playoffs or being eliminated early, which would be seen as a failure. Embiid's health and performance are critical, and any further decline could signal the end of his prime years, making it difficult to build a championship-caliber team around him.
- 76ers are 2-12, with a poor start to the season.
- Joel Embiid's health and playing status are major concerns.
- Team chemistry and leadership issues are highlighted.
Shownotes Transcript