The Philadelphia 76ers began a massive rebuild in 2013.
Branded ‘The Process’ by former guard Tony Wrotten, the Sixers endured some lean years – missing the playoffs five times.
Joel Embiid carries the Sixers’ hopes on his shouldersGetty
It worked, Joel Embiid arrived as the No.3 overall pick in 2014 and Philadelphia has made the playoffs in every season since 2016.
But an NBA Championship has eluded one of the league’s oldest franchises, with the New York Knicks triumphing 4-2 in their offseason collision earlier this year.
Embiid returned for that series and averaged 33 points after missing most of the season with a meniscus injury.
talkSPORT sat down with experienced NBA beat writer Jonathan Feigen to discuss what needs to happen for the Sixers to win a first title since 1983.
“It all goes back to Embiid being healthy, and not just staying healthy, but being at full strength when the playoffs come,” he told Brian T. Smith.
“I would think having Andre Drummond, who is one of the better backup centers in the league can help keep him there.
“And it’s true for Paul George as well. The reason it can be a very good addition is that Paul George can be a guy who plays off of the star. He doesn’t have to be the star.
“You know, (Tyrese) Maxey and Embiid, they’re the guys who drive that engine.
“He’s adept at that. A lot of guys can’t do that, great players cannot do that. They can be great if they’re the man, if they have to play off someone else, not so much.
“And on top of that, if he stays healthy, if he’s at full strength, he can be an outstanding defensive player.”
General manager Daryl Morey has assembled a strong roster
George brings plenty of experience with himGetty
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps says Embiid, who signed a $193million extension in September, will be limited during the regular season due to an ongoing issue.
The Olympic gold medalist will reportedly not play both halves in back-to-back sets and wear a knee brace.
Feigen believes Philadelphia could go all the way next season – but admits health is a huge concern.
“They’ve added some nice depth – Eric Gordon in the role they’ll have for him,” he added.
“Even Reggie Jackson. Kelly Oubre had a real nice season last year. They brought him back.
“Daryl Morris has done a very nice job with that roster, not just collecting talent but putting together pieces that can fit very well and veterans who will embrace the role that they have for them.
“Paul George, remember his best season might have been the year he played with Russell Westbrook and that’s a guy who dominates the ball, but he was very good playing with Russell.
“So I, I think you can see that again. If – and there’s the huge if with that particular team – Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson, all those guys.
“Can they be healthy? Can they be full strength in the postseason?”