Joel Embiid Shifts Role: Sixers No Longer Depend Solely on Their Superstar
For much of Joel Embiid’s tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers, the narrative has revolved around his ability to single-handedly elevate the team. Historically, the Sixers’ success has closely mirrored Embiid’s performance on the court, with a staggering plus/minus that underscores his influence. However, this season marks a pivotal shift: Embiid is no longer the sole engine driving the team’s success.
A New Era for the Sixers
While Embiid continues to be a crucial player—raising the team’s ceiling with his unique skill set—the Sixers now boast a solid foundation thanks to a revitalized supporting cast. This progression is a welcome development for Embiid, who has often expressed frustration over a perceived lack of support from his teammates.
The Sixers are now positioned as a more formidable threat in the league, provided they can maintain their health. This newfound depth begs the question: have the Sixers developed a “Big Four”?
Tyrese Maxey’s Ascendancy
Tyrese Maxey has arguably stepped into the spotlight as the new face of the franchise. This season, he’s averaging an impressive 30.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 4.5 rebounds across a league-leading 39.9 minutes per game. With these numbers, Maxey is on track to secure his first All-Star selection and could even make a compelling case for All-NBA honors.
The synergy between Maxey and Embiid remains a core component of the Sixers’ offense, echoing the once-dominant duo of Embiid and James Harden. However, unlike earlier seasons where this partnership was critical to the team’s scoring, the current roster allows for a more balanced approach.
The Rookie Sensation: VJ Edgecombe
Rookie guard VJ Edgecombe has emerged as a remarkable asset for the Sixers. Not only does he bring tenacity on the defensive end, but his shooting has also been a pleasant surprise, with nearly 38 percent success from beyond the arc on 5.8 attempts per game. Among rookies, he stands out, joining elite company by averaging at least 16 points, five rebounds, and three assists, alongside top draft picks Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel.
Despite a slight dip in his early-season performance, Edgecombe is still making waves, highlighted by his game-winning three-pointer against the Memphis Grizzlies and a strong showing against the Dallas Mavericks, where he recorded 23 points, five rebounds, and four steals. His emergence contributes to the argument that the Sixers now have a Big Four rather than relying solely on their star center.
Paul George’s Steady Contribution
Among the Sixers’ arsenal, Paul George has quietly made significant contributions, even as he has flown under the radar. Despite shooting only 40.6 percent from the field, George averages 15.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in just 29 minutes per game. His defensive metrics are noteworthy; he ranks in the 96th percentile for estimated defensive plus/minus, underscoring his value on both ends of the floor.
Historically, Embiid has had one reliable co-star—whether it was Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler, or Harden. Now, he has multiple options available on any given night.
Support from the Bench
Beyond the standout performances of Maxey, Edgecombe, and George, the Sixers’ depth extends to other contributors. Quentin Grimes is making his case for Sixth Man of the Year with averages of 14.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. His streaky shooting has been crucial, particularly highlighted by a 5-of-7 performance from three-point range against Dallas.
After a challenging season marred by injury, Andre Drummond is rebounding well, averaging 7.1 points and 9.2 rebounds in limited minutes. He has successfully retained his spot as the primary backup to Embiid, although rookie Adem Bona is beginning to show promise as well.
Other young talents like Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker are also stepping up, with Barlow proving his worth with averages of 8.6 points and 5.3 rebounds. Walker has impressed as a strong rebounder, and both are positioning themselves for more significant roles as the season progresses.
Injury Returns and Future Outlook
The Sixers are also anticipating the return of Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford from injury. Before Oubre’s mid-November setback, he averaged 16.8 points and 5.1 rebounds, starting every game. His return may spark competition for starting roles, especially against Barlow and Grimes.
Watford, with his well-rounded averages of 8.9 points and 4.7 rebounds, is also poised to add depth upon his return.
As the Sixers navigate this season, it is clear that they can no longer rely solely on Embiid’s brilliance as they once did. With the emergence of Maxey, Edgecombe, and a revitalized supporting cast, the Sixers are embracing a new identity—one built on depth and versatility. This evolution could be the key to their success as they aim for a deeper playoff run.
