Joel Embiid‘s status as a star player has always been questioned due to his injury history and slopiness on the court. Considering his injury woes, the Philadelphia 76ers are looking for a third main to add to their offense. For now, the best candidate for the Sixers is Paul George as Plan A. However, in case the LA Clippers do not land on the team, they have got Jimmy Butler as Plan B for their roster. The Miami Heat forward may be the fallback plan for the Phillies but can fit well with former MVP Embiid. Even NBA legend Gilbert Arenas shared the same thought on the ‘Gil’s Arena’ podcast.
While justifying his claim of Jimmy being the best fit for the Sixers, Gil shared, “They[Jimmy, Maxey, and Embiid] will be dangerous because you got Jimmy Butler attitude with Embiid and Maxey.” Notably, Jimmy Butler is famous for his intense work ethic work and hard work. As a player, he levels up the teammates’ quality. Emphasizing the same factor, Arenas added, “We’ve seen what Jimmy Butler does with mediocre talent. Now he has real actual MVP dominant… . So he’s gonna force Embiid to step his sh*t up.” However, it is not all made up, as the Philadelphia 76ers are closely monitoring Butler’s status with the Miami Heat front office.
As per Keith Pompey’s report from the Philadelphia Inquirer, that the Sixers front office would be “prepared” to offer Butler a max extension if he forces his way out of Miami. Moreover, it is expected to surge Playoff Jimmy’s salary to the league maximum. However, the decision still depends on the Heat and their new offer.
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Coming to the Sixers camp, Butler might infuse the spark in the roster with his explosiveness and get Embiid out on the court.
Joel Embiid’s Injury Woes: A Dark Hurdle in Sixers’ Championship Goals
With his new injuries every year, Embiid just played 39 games out of the Sixers’ 82 games this year. The 30-year-old Philadelphia 76ers center has sustained a variety of injuries, including a torn thumb ligament, ankle issues, orbital fractures, knee soreness, and a torn meniscus. Resultingly, agents are advising the players in free agency to reconsider going to the Sixers, according to Yahoo Sports. It is making it difficult for Embiid’s team to make a solid team around the former MVP.
Apart from Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey is the one taking responsibility on the court. However, one man is not enough to bring out the whole potential of a team. The Sixers need someone reliable, consistent, and a powerhouse to run their offense. This offseason, the Sixers owner Daryl Morey has a golden opportunity to create $60 million in cap space. Still, if they are unable to land a star player with versatile roles, they might keep crawling to playoffs in years ahead as well.
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Apart from Paul George, LeBron James is also an option for Daryl, considering the free trade option. However, the 39-year-old is already expected to opt in with the Lakers. Keeping it in mind, the genuine contender for the Sixers’ need is Jimmy Butler who can bring the best out of Joel Embiid. What’s your prediction about the Sixers’ new roster this summer? Let us know in the comments, and watch out what Shaq’s confidante and ex-agent, Leonard Armato, thinks otherwise. To know more about his comments, watch this video.
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