The 2024-25 season is shaping up to be an exciting one for Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. After a breakout year from Tyrese Maxey, where he won the Most Improved Player award and earned his first All-Star nod, they secured a third star by adding Paul George in free agency.
Sixers fans will likely want to see the most out of their star trio. However, an interesting plan by the Sixers could limit the amount of games they play together during the regular season. According to an article by ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, team president Daryl Morey will keep Embiid and George from playing in back-to-backs.
Both George and Embiid have had injury woes in the past and Morey thinks that this is an intelligent way to keep them healthy for a deep playoff run.
“We’re going to be smart about it,” Morey said. “Part of being smart about it is having both Paul and Joel probably not play many back-to-backs, if any.”
This past summer, the Sixers signed George to a four-year deal worth $212 million. Embiid also signed a three-year extension for $193 million. The Sixers are paying $405 million to these two stars for these massive contracts.
Embiid and George have 16 All-Star selections between the two of them (nine for George, seven for Embiid). Additionally, they also have several personal accolades.
However, they have also missed many games due to injuries, which is a concern for the Sixers.
In his five seasons with the LA Clippers, George only played in 263 games. Meanwhile, Embiid has only suited up for a total of 433 games for the Sixers since his NBA debut in 2016.
In order to maximize their championship window, keeping these two stars healthy for the postseason is vital for the Sixers.
Joel Embiid says he is likely no longer playing back-to-back games for the rest of his career
A star’s availability is a major factor in dictating a team’s number of wins as well as postseason success. Having an injured star often holds a team back from making a deep playoff run. This is a harsh truth that Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers have been dealing with in the past few years.
Embiid recognizes that he needs to be in tip-top shape for the postseason, when his presence matters the most. In order to ensure he is healthy for the playoffs, the 2023 League MVP will be limiting his playing time in the regular season.
Joel Embiid told ESPN’s Tim Bontemps that he is unlikely to ever play in a back-to-back game for the rest of his career.
Embiid hasn’t missed a lot of playoff games in his career. In fact, out of the 67 postseason games that the Sixers have played since 2018, he has only missed eight.
However, he was hobbled in some of these series which likely held him back from playing his best.
