The Philadelphia 76ers' season came to a crushing end Sunday night, as the New York Knicks eliminated them with a decisive 144-114 victory. For Joel Embiid, it marked the sixth time he's been sent packing in the second round of the playoffs—a painful déjà vu for the star Cameroonian center and a franchise still chasing its first NBA Finals appearance since 2001.
After a decade in Philly, Embiid's future with the team is suddenly uncertain. "I love Philly. I've been here my whole career. A lot has happened. We haven't won," he said, reflecting on the loss. Despite the disappointment, Embiid sounded optimistic about the offseason ahead, emphasizing his desire to focus on improving his game rather than recovering from injury. "Going into the summer, having a chance to be more prepared with everything bodywise, and you know my game," he added.
The 76ers rolled the dice on their "Big 3" of Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George this season, but the trio managed just 15 games together due to injuries and suspensions. Still, they managed to upset the Boston Celtics in the first round before running out of steam against the Knicks. Now, Embiid himself is unsure if the core will return. "Tyrese is going to be better, and he's taking a step every single year. PG... we saw the last couple of weeks, he still got it. And then everybody else. I don't know who's going to be here. I don't even know if I'm going to be here, but you know, whatever happens, happens."
The financial stakes are high. George is locked into a four-year, $211.6 million deal signed two summers ago, and the Sixers will owe Embiid and George a combined $111 million next season—with no guarantee either can stay healthy for a full campaign. At the trade deadline, Philly moved Jared McCain to save on luxury tax, banking on Quentin Grimes and rookie VJ Edgecombe as future options. But Grimes has averaged just 6.5 points in the playoffs, leaving Maxey to carry the load alongside Kelly Oubre Jr.
As the dust settles on another early exit, the 76ers face tough questions. Can this Big 3 stay on the court long enough to make a real run? And more importantly, will The Process himself be part of the answer—or part of the problem?