For an avalanche of reasons, Sixers’ focus must shift to future

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For an avalanche of reasons, Sixers’ focus must shift to future originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers have been stuck under an avalanche of bad news and embarrassing losses.

No one would savor those circumstances.

So, a team that began the season with three All-Stars and championship ambitions is obligated to think in depth about the future. It’s practically all there is do.

Joel Embiid’s season of great instability won’t include any more games, the Sixers announced Friday. He dealt with frustrating, persistent left knee swelling, suffered a sinus fracture, got suspended three games for shoving a columnist and played 19 times. He struggled physically and was transparent about the corresponding mental challenges.

“Just got to find to try positives and, even though there’s not a lot, lean on that positive stuff,” Embiid said on Feb. 4. “It’s important … family who can keep you up, keep you going, keep you motivated. But it’s tough.

“Try to manage it, try to find a solution. It just keeps happening. … I don’t really have time to really recover, so until I get that time, it could be like that. Just got to keep going, do the right things, take care of yourself and hope for the best.”

The 2024-25 Sixers have forgotten what best-case outcomes look like.

They’re 20-38 and almost everyone has endured a significant injury or two. A striking example: The dependable Guerschon Yabusele was back at practice Friday after hurting both eyes a few days prior in the Sixers’ blowout loss to the Bulls.

“I had no clue what was the injury or what was going on,” Yabusele said. “In my mind, when I recall it, I feel like his finger was so far into my eyes, he could touch my brain, kind of.”

As far as the remainder of the season, there’s not much worth saying. Even if they’re blessed by dramatically improved health and elevate their competitiveness, the Sixers’ odds of reaching “meaningful” basketball appear minuscule.

“I don’t have any goals other than that we’re playing to win and we’re playing to play better,” Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said Friday.

If the Sixers…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/article/avalanche-reasons-sixers-focus-must-190100505.html

Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia

Publish date : 2025-02-28 19:01:00

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