The media is ready to call the Philadelphia 76ers championship contenders, but are ignoring the obvious roadblock.
The health of superstar Joel Embiid will make or break the outcome of Philadelphia's season.
It's shown true for several years, as the Sixers have yet to reach the Eastern Conference Finals during Embiid's tenure because he's never at full strength come playoff time. With the addition of veteran star Paul George and a plethora of depth, a burden is lifted off the 30-year-old's shoulders.
Despite the lightened load, Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes was quick to point to Embiid's health in the postseason as the biggest question facing the 76ers.
"No issue facing the Philadelphia 76ers matters more than Joel Embiid's consistent inability to make it through a full season unscathed," Hughes wrote. "Whether it's been an acute injury (sometimes of the freak variety) or accumulated wear and tear, Embiid has been habitually compromised come playoff time."
Embiid does not typically sit out during the playoffs but rather attempts to play through injuries, leading to a statistical plummet. He averaged 32.8 points in the past three regular seasons, compared to 26.8 in the postseason.
The Sixers' coaching staff should prioritize maintaining a healthy core rather than high-seeding in the Eastern Conference. The Miami Heat are following this philosophy in the Jimmy Butler era, which has resulted in two NBA Finals appearances thus far.
"Until we see the former MVP hold up for 82 games and a full postseason," Hughes wrote. "His durability will always be the biggest question in Philly."
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