76ers Preparing For Post-Joel Embiid Era With Young Stars: Insider

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Aug 20, 2025 11:31 PM ET

The Philadelphia 76ers are hopeful that they win a championship while Joel Embiid's body can still handle the long NBA grind. Over the past few seasons, Embiid has struggled to stay healthy. That has always been part of the Cameroonian center's usual journey in any campaign.

However, it has started to get worse. Last season was arguably the toughest for Embiid since he was only available for 19 games . It was disappointing for the 76ers sin ce they also had Paul George, forming a Big 3 with Tyrese Maxey.

With the injuries starting to pile up on Embiid, it's not a surprise that the 76ers have a backup plan. Fortunately for the organization, the youth they were able to acquire in recent years are their fallback option.

David Aldridge Says the 76ers Are Preparing For a Post-Embiid Path

NBA insider David Aldridge explained how Maxey, Jared McCain and VJ Edgecombe could be the next chapter for Philly. But for now, the longtime journalist said that the 76ers are optimistic Embiid can overcome his injury issues.

“You can definitely see a post-Embiid skeleton coming into shape in Philly, with McCain, Maxey and Edgecombe becoming a potentially wildly fun trio in the coming years,” Aldridge wrote. “For now, Philly still holds out hope that the 31-year-Embiid can finally recover after getting shut down the last sev en weeks of the regular season to have his meniscus repaired.”

Maxey has already proven that he can be one of the best guards in the league. He earned his first All-Star appearance in 2024 and won the Most Improved Player of the Year award. McCain, meanwhile, surprised everyone with how he played. He even finished with one third-place vote in the Rookie of the Year ballot.

The only unproven player in the 76ers' young core is Edgecombe, since he hasn't played an NBA game.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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