The end of an era is upon us, and it's time to confront the inevitable. The Joel Embiid era, as we've known and loved it, is drawing to a close. Whether you're ready to admit it or not, the reality is that the Sixers' championship aspirations with Embiid at the helm are no more.
It's a bitter pill to swallow, but the writing has been on the wall for some time. Yet, there was always that glimmer of hope, that maybe, just maybe, Embiid could recapture his former glory. But here's where it gets controversial...
In the face of such a loss, it's natural to experience what's known as 'anticipatory grief.' A concept I recently discovered through the work of Rebecca DiTore, whose book, 'I'd Still Choose You,' chronicles her journey through her husband Mike's battle with brain cancer.
Anticipatory grief is the process of mentally preparing for a loss while the person is still with us. It's a way to emotionally equip oneself for the inevitable, to be there for the suffering individual and those around them when the end comes. And this is the part most people miss... it's not just about the end, it's about the journey and the impact it has on our lives.
I find myself in this phase with Embiid. I know deep down that he won't return to his pre-injury form consistently, and those brief moments of brilliance only serve as a painful reminder of what once was. The idea of him finding his rhythm again is tempting, but the reality is that consistent court time is a luxury we can no longer afford to expect.
Even if Embiid were to miraculously regain his form, the likelihood of him staying healthy for an entire playoff run is slim to none. And let's be honest, expecting Embiid to remain injury-free for almost a full trimester is a stretch of the imagination.
The concept of Embiid as a sixth man or role player is also unrealistic, as Daryl Morey himself has hinted at. The rise of Tyrese Maxey, as eloquently written about by Mike O'Connor, further underscores this reality. Maxey has emerged as a bona fide star, and it's hard to imagine wasting his prime by keeping Embiid around.
This realization forces us to confront the unthinkable. The Sixers will have to make some tough decisions, decisions we never thought they'd have to make. They'll have to attach picks to Embiid's contract, either to salary-dump him or acquire a healthier, albeit inferior, player. It won't be pretty, but it's a necessary evil.
By going through this process now, I aim to be reasonable and honest with myself and with you, the audience, when the time comes. I give myself permission to grieve, to lash out, to be sad, and to deny what's happening. Because at the end of the day, it's all part of the process.
The journey from 'big man's knee fails us' with Andrew Bynum to Embiid's own knee issues is a painful one. It's a dirty comparison, but it's the reality we face. They say time heals all wounds, but in this case, it's also a reminder of what could have been.
So, as we navigate these next few weeks, let's embrace the emotions that come with this realization. Let's support each other, and let's be there for Embiid, for the Sixers, and for ourselves. Because, in the end, it's not just about the game, it's about the memories and the impact these athletes have on our lives.
(Spike note: Please consider supporting The Small Moments Foundation, started by Rebecca DiTore in Mike's honor. It brings much-needed joy and relief to families affected by cancer. Your donation can make a difference. https://www.smallmomentsfoundation.org/)
