Mayor Cherelle Parker is waiting to sanction a gift for Joel Embiid & Co. It looks like the team might not have to worry about a new arena for their home games. Philadelphia’s Mayor has confirmed that she endorses the Sixers’ proposal for what’s been dubbed “76 Place.” This means, the team can now forget the Wells Fargo Center that they’ve been utilizing for a while and the Chinatown-related proposal. In a statement video released on September 18, the Mayor shared that there has been mutual agreement.

Hopefully, once the arena is ready to roll, we’ll see more of Joel Embiid in full action. But of course, if the 7x NBA All-Star chooses to retire before bracing the court, then no one can do anything about it. Meanwhile, Cherelle Parker’s video statement expressed support and confidence in the team. She said that they had settled an agreement and ensured “that [our] Sixers are staying home.” She revealed that Embiid’s team will receive $1.55 billion in investment, hundreds of millions in tax revenue, and hundreds of jobs.

Meanwhile, the Mayor ensured, “It is the best financial deal ever entered into by a Philadelphia mayor for a local sports arena.” She informed the listeners that her administration would send the bill to the Legislative Council, which gave the final verdict. It’s interesting to know that the team will not have to reside in a place away from home, thus solidifying the fanbase for home matches.

“We are grateful to Mayor Parker and her team for their time and diligence in evaluating our proposal and look forward to advancing to the next steps with City Council,” the 76ers affirmed while conveying they were “grateful” for the mayor’s work.

Amidst the great news, there’s a haunting reality that could be concerning for the Sixers. This has everything to do with their 30-year-old forward, Joel Embiid, and his downfall. Because of his never-ending list of injuries, his MVP potential as a hooper is under fire.

Joel Embiid’s alleged downfall could be a major barrier between the 76ers and NBA glory

Sportswriter Bill Simmons may have just dropped the bomb on the Philadelphia 76ers. On his podcast, he discussed Joel Embiid’s prospects for the upcoming days. He compared the hooper to ex-Clipper Blake Griffin, whose condition was similar. Simmons points out that the latter saw the physical toll of injuries sap away at his overall game, and he also mentioned how the often-injured Joel Embiid fears the same fate as Griffins’ downfall.

“I keep thinking about Blake Griffin when I think of Embiid,” said the sportswriter. He added, “Where Blake Griffin had all these different injuries. Some were bad luck in his legs, others were like he broke his hand punching the equipment manager. But all of a sudden, he had like 7 or 8 injuries, and you added them up, and it’s like, oh, sh**.”

Following this episode, the Clippers traded Griffin, and “his body broke down a year later.” Ultimately, Bill Simmons doesn’t trust Joel Embiid’s injury history.

The NBA game is evolving and becoming more physical. It is natural in the 76ers superstar’s game to make more contact on the court. Therefore, with the ever-changing game, Joel Embiid and others have to adapt. “If you’ve had a lot of injuries and you’re not in great shape, you’re going to keep getting hurt. That’s been the case since the 1950s, and it’s going to be the case with him,” Bill Simmons remarked.

Well, it seems there is an imbalance in the Sixers squad. On one hand, they can rejoice getting a new arena. Meanwhile, the concerns surrounding their star player and his injuries could become a major hurdle for the title. Joel Embiid is a key player, so his injuries are surely a matter of major concern for the 76ers. However, given the records, how long the Philly side is willing to invest in their biggest star is a debatable question.

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.