WNBA Legend Still Views 76ers as Possible Contender
For most of this season, the Philadelphia 76ers looked like a team capable of contending for an NBA title. Following the James Harden trade, they had all the makings of a group capable of making things interesting in the Eastern Conference. Joel Embiid was having another MVP-level season, Tyrese Maxey emerged into an All-Star, and the team had an abundance of depth.
Everything changed for the Sixers just over a month ago during a game against the Golden State Warriors. Joel Embiid suffered a knee injury after Jonathan Kuminga awkwardly fell on him. The reigning MVP has yet to return to action, but remains hopeful to play again this season.
Since Embiid went down, the Sixers have struggled to stay afloat. They currently sit in seventh place in the East with a 35-27 record. Despite how things look for them now, one WNBA icon thinks there's still hope for them.
Recently, Candace Parker sat down with NBA.com to do a mailbag series with fans. Among the questions asked was her expectations for the Sixers if Embiid does play again. Parker feels that if the superstar center does return that Philly could still have a shot this year.
"I think there’s a big if on Embiid returning at all. Playoff basketball is different than regular-season basketball. If he does return, the 76ers have to give themselves a shot because they have one of the best players in the NBA," Parker responded. "But I don’t know if he returns to the same Joel Embiid that we think. And with the injuries Philly has had to overcome this year, I think a second-round [playoff] exit is probably looked at as a positive."
With just over five weeks to go in the regular season, Embiid will have minimal time to ramp up before the postseason is set to begin.
