Barring James Harden Drama, Are 76ers Mistreating Joel Embiid Just Like They Did With Charles Barkley?

The James Harden drama has completely taken over the NBA this offseason. While other significant basketball events may’ve enjoyed their fleeting fame, nothing has been as dramatic as The Beard saga. Harden’s adamancy to leave the Philadelphia 76ers cast a cloud of uncertainty on the franchise future. However, it has also raised questions about their MVP center, Joel Embiid.

Joel Embiid has achieved some tremendous individual achievements, including the MVP award during his time with the Sixers. His next goal naturally, would be to win the coveted championship. However, given the Sixers record in the past few years, there may be uncertainty on whether he would be able to achieve this feat in Philadelphia. Now, with Harden’s trade saga, Embiid’s position in Philadelphia is in further danger. This entire fiasco seems very similar to something that happened in 1991 with the Sixers involving former MVP, Charles Barkley. But how are these two scenarios similar?

Joel Embiid has an uncertain future in Philadelphia

Joel Embiid had his best season in the NBA in 2022-23. He won the MVP award, his team finished in the 3rd seed and he had the services of a former MVP in James Harden with him. However, none of this culminated in achieving the ultimate glory, winning a championship. To add fuel to the fire, The Beard created a ruckus while asking out of the franchise.

James Harden’s public feud with the Sixers and their President of Basketball Operations, Daryl Morey has put a lot of things in jeopardy. Additionally, Embiid’s statements about his next goal in an interview seeming unbothered about loyalty have further ensued chaos.

Amid the Harden saga, The Process made some bold claims in a recent interview: “I just want to win a championship, um, you know, whatever it takes. I don’t know where that’s going to be, whether it’s in Philly or anywhere else.”

Read More: After Dragging 76ers’ Daryl Morey Through the Mud, James Harden Lands a Tempting Offer From 37YO NBA Veteran

It seems as though all the drama surrounding the Harden fiasco has gotten to the 6-time All-Star. However, this entire fiasco has reminded fans a lot of an incident involving Charles Barkley.

Sixers put The Process in Charles Barkley’s shoes

The Philadelphia 76ers have put Joel Embiid in a tough spot lately. His statements about leaving the Sixers to pursue a championship have further made his ties with the franchise weaker. However, this entire fiasco has played out very similarly for the Sixers 32 years ago.

As a result of a dreadful trade in 1986, Charles Barkley ended up on a roster that could barely contend for the championship. Naturally, The Round Mound of Rebound desired a trade to a stronger contender. However, he had not made up his mind until the Sixers actions pushed him over the edge.

In 1991, Barkley decided to pay respect to the Los Angeles Lakers legend, Magic Johnson who had announced his battle with AIDS at the time by wearing his jersey number, “32” for the Sixers. However, this number was retired by the Sixers in respect to a Sixers legend, Billy Cunningham. This put Barkley, who was the face of the Sixers franchise back then in an awkward position.

The franchise initially allowed Barkley to use this jersey number but due to constant pressure from fans, they retracted their decision. This did not sit well with the former MVP who decided to make a move to the Phoenix Suns the very next season. Ironically, he also reached the NBA Finals that very year.

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Joel Embiid’s situation is currently very similar to Barkley’s in 1992. The team put both the superstars in a tough situation which eventually led to devastating consequences. So will Embiid’s future with the franchise pan out similar to Barkley’s? Can the Sixers keep The Process long term? Share your thoughts in the comments below.