Why Daryl Morey is Right to Continue the Practice of "Insanity"

The Philadelphia 76ers are poised to retain their core roster despite a disastrous 2023-24 season. This follows the previous offseason's high-profile signing of Paul George to form a "fearful trio" with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. However, the trio played only 15 games together (going 7-8), contributing to the team's overall 24-58 record – their worst since "The Process" era and causing them to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2016-17. Despite the poor results and likely fan dissatisfaction, team executive Daryl Morey appears to view running back the same plan as the best available option.

The article then focuses on Joel Embiid's situation. Just 18 months ago, Embiid was a consensus top-three NBA player en route to a second consecutive MVP, averaging 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.7 blocks before a meniscus tear derailed his 2023-24 season. Injuries have always been a major concern for Embiid, dating back to a pre-draft navicular fracture in 2014, and he has never had a fully healthy playoff run. While his games played over the previous six seasons (ranging from 51 to 68 games) are presented as not being a significant outlier in the modern "load management" era, the past two seasons have been interrupted by knee issues. A significant challenge is Embiid's substantial contract; he is due $55.2 million next year, followed by a three-year, $193 million extension, culminating in a $69 million player option for the 2028-29 season.