As the NBA All-Star break approaches, the Philadelphia 76ers mathematically still have a chance at a playoff spot. Although, this season has not gone as well as the franchise had hoped.
Philadelphia brought in forward Paul George on a $212 million contract that today projects as one of the worst in the league. As bad as his contract is, Joel Embiid’s has the potential to be worse. He hasn’t played much at all this season in addition to dealing with off-court drama.
As the No. 10 seed in the Eastern Conference, 76ers owner Josh Harris wants the city of Philadelphia and 76ers fans to remain hopeful.
“I’m really optimistic that we are going to make a playoff run now,” Harris said.
These comments come hours after 76ers fan watched the Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl. Harris had more to say about the team.
“My message to Sixers fans is it’s been a tough season and we’re all in this together. We feel it. And we’re all working really hard to make it better. And thank you for supporting us,” Harris said.
76ers co-owner David Adelman also spoke about the expectations for the team for the rest of the season.
“I think when this team is healthy, we can beat everybody in the East. Our big three has only played 12 games together,” Adelman added.
It is unbelievable to think that Embiid, George, and Tyrese Maxey have only played 12 games together. While this is a positive outlook on it, there are rumors that Embiid may need another surgery.
While it is comforting that the front office believes that this group is a playoff team, the fact that their success is based on the team’s health is worrying. Kyle Lowry, Embiid, and Eric Gordon are all dealing with injuries right now. Having already lost their rookie sensation Jared McCain a month ago for the year, the injury bug hasn’t been very friendly in Philadelphia this season.
The second half of the season will either prove the front office to be right and the 76ers make the playoffs, or injuries will keep haunting the team and it’ll be a busy offseason of moving pieces around.
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