The Philadelphia 76ers and Joel Embiid are one defeat away from being eliminated in the playoffs, as the Toronto Raptors lead the Eastern Conference semifinals, 3-2.
If the Sixers do lose the series, NBA analyst Colin Cowherd believes it will be time for the franchise to trade talented but often-injured center Joel Embiid.
"Joel Embiid still has value. It's time to move him… High maintenance, doesn't stay healthy and doesn't work with Ben Simmons. Philadelphia, you're going to have to make a choice. Make the right one." — @ColinCowherd pic.twitter.com/3K1Afcb5yD
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) May 8, 2019
The two-time All-Star has been a liability on both ends of the floor for the Sixers in the series. Aside from scoring 33 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks in Game 3, Embiid was obviously a shell of his old self in the other four games against the Raptors.
Embiid has been dealing with various injuries throughout the conference semifinals. He's been bothered by his recurring knee injury in Game 1, then he dealt with the stomach flu in Game 2, before acquiring a virus that limited his production in Games 4 and 5. Despite all his ailments, JoJo still decided to play, but it did the Sixers more harm than good.
Embiid's injury history can be traced back to his college days, and those issues followed him in the NBA. He missed his entire rookie season because of a foot injury. Although he developed into one of the best players in the league, his constant setbacks have prevented the Sixers from becoming a legitimate championship contender.
The Sixers' management remains committed to Embiid, but if he keeps on getting injured over the next few years, the franchise might consider following Cowherd's advice.
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