With the NBA season still over two months away, the Philadelphia 76ers are once again confronting significant obstacles, primarily centered on Joel Embiid injury and trade concerns. The Sixers, anticipated to be strong contenders last year, instead endured a disastrous 24-58 record, marked by injuries to key players like Embiid and disappointing performances from free agent acquisition Paul George.

Looking to next season, uncertainty looms as Embiid, honored as the 2023 NBA MVP, reportedly continues to struggle to return to full health and may miss the start of training camp, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.

Kendrick Perkins Calls for a Complete Overhaul of Sixers’ Leadership and Roster

On a recent episode of Perk Unplugged, former NBA player Kendrick Perkins expressed strong criticism of the Sixers’ current state. Responding to guest Rashad Phillips’ suggestion to trade Embiid and George, Perkins went further by proposing a full reset of the organization. He emphasized that the problem extends beyond player trades and includes those responsible for roster decisions and management.

I would hit the reset button all across the f****** board,

Perkins declared.

And it’s not just with trading Joel Embiid and Paul George, because I’m with you on that, but I’m also hitting the reset button on who actually paid those guys and jumped the gun.

It’s time to clean house in the front office,

he added.

Let’s be real here, man. Daryl Morey has not done a great job. Daryl Morey knew about these injuries and what Joel Embiid was dealing with. Daryl Morey gave Joel Embiid an extension.

Backlash Over Embiid’s Costly Contract Extension Amid Injury Concerns

Perkins’ criticism targets Daryl Morey’s decision to grant Embiid a three-year, $192.9 million contract extension, a move questioned for its timing and rationale. Embiid’s history of knee problems was well known, worsened after representing Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, which delayed his participation in the regular season until mid-November. This contract gamble has become a major liability given Embiid’s ongoing health issues.

Morey’s management has faced further scrutiny over his handling of other roster dilemmas, notably the prolonged saga involving Ben Simmons, and sourcing Paul George, whose underwhelming performance coupled with a hefty remaining contract complicates Philadelphia’s financial flexibility.

Philadelphia’s Young Talent Shows Promise Despite Veteran Setbacks

Despite the troubles surrounding Embiid and George, the Sixers possess a promising group of young players that could form the foundation for the team’s future success. All-Star Tyrese Maxey stands out, while rookie Jared McCain was a strong contender for Rookie of the Year before a meniscus injury in December interrupted his season. Quentin Grimes experienced a career-best year, and VJ Edgecombe’s impressive Summer League debut signals potential emerging talent.

This youthful core gives the organization hope for rebuilding and eventually competing at a high level once again, assuming the team can resolve its current contract and injury issues.

Perkins Holds Morey Accountable for Team’s Troubled Trajectory

Perkins places significant responsibility on Morey for the team’s struggles, stating clearly that the executive’s decisions have had damaging consequences. He acknowledged Morey’s success in identifying young talent, but emphasized that costly veteran signings and extensions have overshadowed those positive moves.

This blood is on your hands,

Perkins said, underscoring the urgency for leadership change if the Sixers hope to correct course. The path forward may require separating from the burdensome contracts of Embiid and George, alongside a restructure of the front office, to restore competitiveness and stability to Philadelphia’s NBA franchise.