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Last summer, Daryl Morey and the Philadelphia 76ers agreed to an extension with Joel Embiid fresh off of his Team USA gold medal run. While the move was expected, it generated a lot of concern, considering Embiid’s struggles to stay healthy throughout his career.
The 2024-2025 NBA season created plenty of additional panic. Embiid missed the first stretch of the season due to “knee injury management.” While he eventually debuted in November, the star center was only able to play a handful of games as a time as swelling and soreness would call for extended rest.
Eventually, the Sixers had to shut down Embiid for the rest of the year. He was ruled out after appearing in 19 games. Without their star big man, the Sixers struggled to adjust. Plus, injuries elsewhere piled on. As the postseason fires up this week, the Sixers are looking at the NBA Draft Lottery instead of preparing for a run.
“This has been a very complex situation for Joel,” Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey said on Sunday. “Figuring out exactly the right next step to make sure we can put him in the best way to help our team win a championship is not straightforward.”
The Sixers consulted many doctors over time to decide on the steps moving forward. While it was initially believed that Embiid would not need another surgery roughly one year after undergoing a procedure to repair a meniscus tear, the star center ultimately decided that was the best path moving forward.
“We feel good about the choice,” Morey said regarding the surgery. "I know Joel does [feel good] about the choice that was just made. And Dr. Glashow going in and feeling very optimistic that I think is good.”
Physically, it’s going to take some time for Embiid to be able to get back out on the court to ramp up his offseason work. Following his surgery, the Sixers placed a six-week re-evaluation timeline in place.
The seven-time All-Star has a lot more to overcome. Not only does the major extension add pressure to him heading into next season, but so does the lack of playoff success at this stage in his career. As dominant as Embiid has been over the years, he hasn’t been able to shake the identity of an MVP-caliber player, who can’t make it to the NBA’s biggest stage. Another setback added to his extensive history of injuries is certainly going to create a mental obstacle he’ll have to overcome.
“He takes a lot of pride in being the MVP-level player he can be and what that means for the fans in Philly,” Morey added. “I do think he takes to heart what Philly fans care about and what they want him to be, which I think is great because it puts high expectations.”
While Morey left questions regarding Embiid’s mental state at this time for the big man to share when he addresses the public, the President of Basketball Ops noted that the team is doing all they can to ensure he’s in a good space.
“Resources are provided to all our players to be able to play, both from a physical and mental perspective, at the highest level possible,” he finished. “We do think that’s a very important aspect, to have those resources.”
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Pacers fans should feel let down by their franchise
Fans of the Indiana Pacers waited 25 years to see their team return to the NBA Finals last season, and it looks like they could be waiting another quarter-century for a shot at that elusive Larry O'Brien Trophy. The organization has recently made some questionable calls that portend a bleak future. First, they let Tyrese Haliburton play through a calf injury in the NBA Finals despite the warning signs. Then, they let Myles Turner, their third-best player from last season's magical playoff run, walk as a free agent to avoid paying the luxury tax. Myles Turner felt betrayed by Pacers The pair of decisions means the Pacers will not only endure a gap year in 2025-26 but also swim in mediocrity for the foreseeable future. Pacers fans should feel all the more livid when they understand the circumstances behind Turner's exit. According to the sharpshooting big man, the Pacers decided they weren't going to pay him the second Haliburton suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. "All everybody told me was, 'Myles, just keep your head down. Keep your head down and work. You're going to get taken care of,'" he told the "Thanalysis Show," via RealGM. "...Then, the unfortunate situation happens in the Finals with Tyrese, and I guess the front office and ownership just changed their mind. It was like, 'Yeah ... we told you all those things. And yeah ... you helped us get to the Eastern Conference Finals and the Finals ... but ... we had to pivot.'" Not a good look for the Pacers In the candid conversation with Milwaukee Bucks teammate Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Turner said he felt deeply hurt because the Pacers paid T.J. McConnell, Aaron Nesmith and Pascal Siakam the year before but didn't extend him the same favor when his contract was up. Turner's comments portray the Pacers as a cutthroat organization that doesn't value its loyal soldiers. That point is even more relevant given that Turner, who was drafted No. 11 by the Pacers in 2015, was the longest-tenured member of the team that made it to the Finals. Also worth highlighting is that Turner was the most animated of all Pacers when they beat the New York Knicks to reach the Finals. "Y'all been rocking with me for 10 years, man," Turner told the fans after the Pacers won the Eastern Conference Finals. "I got nothing but love and respect for this city, this team, and this organization." Turner truly loved the city of Indiana, but got cast out in the blink of an eye. The Pacers' unfair treatment of him could hurt their chances of recruiting players in the future, as a level of trust may be broken. The Pacers (0-4) have yet to win a game in the new season.
'TNF' takeaways: Lamar Jackson dazzles in return as Ravens humiliate Dolphins
The Baltimore Ravens dominated the Miami Dolphins in a 28-6 rout on "Thursday Night Football" as quarterback Lamar Jackson shined in his return from injury. Here are four takeaways from the first NFL game of Week 9: Lamar Jackson returns in style You would never know that Jackson had not played since Week 4 judging by his incredible performance on Thursday night. He wasted no time getting started with this fourth-down strike to tight end Mark Andrews in the opening quarter and capped his four-TD night with a nine-yard connection to wide receiver Rashod Bateman late in the third quarter. His 18 total TD passes against the Dolphins are the second-most all-time in five games vs. one opponent, only behind George Blanda's 21 against the New York Titans. After going 18-of-23 for 204 yards and four TDs, Jackson now has 14 passing TDs and only one interception in five games. If he stays healthy, this Ravens team will be difficult to slow down in the second half of the season. Mike McDaniel's seat keeps getting hotter It keeps getting worse for the Dolphins head coach after Thursday's latest dud. Miami had 332 yards of offense, but went 0-for-3 in the red zone and committed three turnovers, including a brutal one in their own territory in the first quarter. During a pregame segment on Prime Video, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was asked what McDaniel's future looks like in Miami and said his job status is "firmly up in the air." While he said he did not "see anything imminent" from owner Stephen Ross, it will come down to how the players respond going forward. Although he signed an extension prior to last season and is under contract through 2028, a 2-7 record and another blowout loss is doing nothing to help McDaniel's case at the moment. Kyle Hamilton spearheads strong defensive performance from Ravens The Ravens entered the night allowing the third-most points per game (30 PPG), but Thursday night was a much different story. The All-Pro safety Hamilton may have not had the most tackles on the team, but his impact was certainly felt with six total tackles and one tackle for loss. He was more impressive than the stats show, especially at creating pressure on Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa and keeping Miami from having any success between the tackles. In the first quarter alone, Hamilton did not even line up as a safety in his first 15 snaps and still only gave up one yard rushing on four carries, opposed to 31 yards on three carries away from him, per Next Gen Stats. For a team that has struggled defensively, they need more of what they got on Thursday night if they are going to claw their way back into the AFC North conversation. Don't count the Ravens out yet It was not that long ago that Baltimore was 1-5 and staring at a wasted season. After back-to-back wins, an improving 3-5 record and a sloppy AFC North in which the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3) are the only team above .500, the Ravens are firmly in the hunt. In fact, FanDuel currently lists them as the favorites (-145) to win the division as of Thursday night. The defense still needs to prove itself against stiffer competition, but if Jackson continues to ball out, the Ravens could complete a remarkable turnaround and mix up the AFC playoff picture.
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Steelers, Jaylen Waddle Trade Window May Have Reopened
The Pittsburgh Steelers want a wide receiver. They thought about the addition of Marques Valdes-Scantling, only to leave the door open for a bigger name. With days remaining before the trade deadline, there are a few, but one may have just reopened that could top their list. The Miami Dolphins have mutually parted ways with long-time general manager Chris Grier after 25 years of working in the position. The team sits at 2-7 and may be nearing the end of head coach Mike McDaniels as well, which could lead to significant changes being made everywhere, including the wide receiver position. Steelers Could Go After Jaylen Waddle The Steelers have reported interest in Jaylen Waddle. According to NFL insider Tony Pauline, the team has Waddle and Tennessee Titans' Calvin Ridley circled, with the Dolphins' firing becoming an interesting turn in the possible outcome at the deadline. "The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the market for another wide receiver and have been inquiring about players available at the position," Pauline wrote. "Two names I am hearing as trade targets are Jaylen Waddle of the Miami Dolphins and Calvin Ridley of the Tennessee Titans." Up until this point, the Dolphins have made it known that they were not open to a trade at the deadline. That likely changes with a change at general manager, and the move signals a bigger rebuild in the making. At 26 years old and a former first-round pick, he is likely their player with the highest price tag, but could also be their easiest to trade. Several teams are looking for a wideout, including the Steelers. What might give Pittsburgh the advantage is that they've been willing to make some splash moves this season. What Would Steelers-Dolphins Trade Look Like? Waddle already has three 1,000-yard seasons in the NFL, and is on pace to add another in 2025. With 586 yards and four touchdowns, he'd lead the Steelers in yards by 125 yards over DK Metcalf. He'd be second on the team in receiving touchdowns. The Steelers would need to give up a Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to open the conversation for Waddle. The Dolphins would be foolish not to push for a second or third round selection for a young wideout who's been producing. The Steelers shouldn't budge, though. Giving themselves a young wideout to finalize their room for the future is precisely what they need. Waddle is easily their best option, and therefore, they should hope the door has reopened and be willing to make another splash to land him.
Latest news prove Minnesota Vikings aren't content with the status quo, and it could elevate the team to the playoffs
This Sunday against the Detroit Lions is going to be huge when it comes to setting the expectations for the rest of the season. A loss will make a run toward the playoffs significantly less likely for the Vikings, and it could impact how they approach the trade deadline. The conventional wisdom would be that the Vikings wouldn't make a move to add at the trade deadline due to their record, especially when you look at the majority of players being acquired are on expiring contracts. Three years ago, the Vikings and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah made a big splash to acquire T.J. Hockenson at the deadline, and it was a big addition both for the 2022 season and beyond. Even if the Vikings lose, they could make an addition with the long-term in mind. Vikings trade history with Kwesi Adofo-Mensah The Vikings traded second and third round picks for T.J. Hockenson and two fourth-round picks at the trade deadline in 2022 Ahead of the 2022 season, the Vikings made low-risk trades for both Jalen Reagor and Ross Blacklock At the 2024 trade deadline, the Vikings acquired LT Cam Robinson for a 2026 fourth-round pick Minnesota Vikings eyeing a cornerback at the trade deadline One of the positions the Vikings need to find a long-term solution for is cornerback. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported on Friday that the Vikings are looking for a cornerback. "As for buyers, the Vikings and Colts are among a list of teams looking for corners. That market isn’t rich with options, which could make the Rams (McCreary), Browns (Tyson Campbell) and Eagles (Michael Carter II) look smart for striking a little earlier." It shouldn't be much of a surprise that the Vikings are looking for a cornerback to help them out, especially with Jeff Okudah being both ineffective and injured. They haven't shown a willingness to trust Dwight McGlothern as of yet, and finding a player at the position to fortify with Isaiah Rodgers and Byron Murphy Jr. should make a difference, especially when it comes to playing man coverage. The key here is finding a cornerback whom the Vikings can trade for. There aren't a lot of options, especially with four cornerbacks having already been traded. Two that come to mind are Riq Woolen of the Seattle Seahawks and Alontae Taylor of the New Orleans Saints. Woolen has fallen out of favor with the Seahawks over the last couple of seasons with Mike Macdonald at the helm. He is currently starting for the Seahawks, but he doesn't seem to be in their long-term plans. He would provide the necessary size and speed the Vikings need at the cornerback position. Taylor is more of a slot cornerback, which the Vikings have been hesitant to add with wanting to slide Murphy on the inside. Even so, he's a versatile piece that could end up being a huge benefit for the Vikings. The deadline is going to be huge for the Vikings, and it could give them a necessary piece to help the defense both short-term and long-term. window.addEventListener('message', function (event) {if (event.data.totalpoll event.data.totalpoll.action === 'resizeHeight') {document.querySelector('#totalpoll-iframe-383').height = event.data.totalpoll.value;}}, false);document.querySelector('#totalpoll-iframe-383').contentWindow.postMessage({totalpoll: {action: 'requestHeight'}}, '*');
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