Joel Embiid’s mobility issues extend beyond his knee problems, with NBA scouts expressing concern that he cannot match the pace of the modern game. An Eastern Conference scout said the Philadelphia 76ers center struggled with the league’s speed even before his latest injury, raising questions about his long-term effectiveness.
“You look at where the league is heading, with the pace and the speed the game is being played,” the second East scout said. “He was having trouble keeping up with it when he was healthy, let alone now.”
Embiid has missed more than two weeks with right knee soreness after previously dealing with left knee issues. The ongoing problems underscore the fragile state of his body and have prompted Philadelphia to create a style of play that does not depend on his availability.
Multiple Eastern Conference executives believe the 76ers must reimagine how they use Embiid rather than building their offense around him. One executive suggested Philadelphia needs to deploy him strategically to maximize his remaining value.
“They have to figure out how to maximize Joel,” a second East executive said. “I don’t think he can come back and look like he used to. They have to try to use him in a strategic way, where he can have some value to them, but you can’t build the offense around him.”
Embiid’s mobility problems have been most apparent on defense, where opposing teams target him when he ventures outside the paint. His lateral movement has deteriorated significantly, limiting his effectiveness in pick-and-roll coverage.
“He basically runs from one free throw line to the other,” an East assistant coach said.
His rebounding has also declined, another sign of reduced explosiveness. With Embiid sidelined, the 76ers have struggled defensively with Andre Drummond as their only true big man.
Teams still respect Embiid’s scoring ability and gravity in dribble handoff actions with guards Tyrese Maxey, Cooper Edgecombe, Quentin Grimes and Jared McCain. After a poor season debut in Boston, he posted five consecutive games with at least 20 points while shooting 50 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from three-point range.