In this new series, Sixers Wire looks at the 16 players, per Spotrac, that comprise the Philadelphia 76ers roster — 14 under standard contracts and the two players on two-way deals — and gives each three goals for the 2026-27 season.
The new season begins on Oct. 20, and training camp is right around the corner. Now is the time to begin previewing the new season of adventure that is Sixers basketball.
Up next to end this series is star big man Joel Embiid. The 7-time All-Star averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 38 games in the 2025-26 as he once again had to battle a ton of injuries and dealt with adversity throughout the season. The 2023 MVP winner is still one of the top players in this league when he's healthy.
For Embiid,
his three goals are as follows:
Just have one healthy playoff run
Embiid's presence changes everything for the Sixers. He literally swung a playoff series in Round 1 against the Boston Celtics when he returned from an emergency appendectomy, when he averaged 28.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists in the four games he was return quickly from the procedure. The Celtics had zero answer for Embiid as neither Neemias Queta nor Nikola Vucevic or whoever Boston threw on him could defend him. The Sixers were able to then rally and eliminate their rivals. If Embiid can have just one healthy playoff run, then who knows what could happen?
Find his offensive efficiency again
Embiid was able to shoot 48.9% from the floor in the 2025-26 season, which is a step up from the 44.4% he shot in the previous season, but still below the 50% he shoots for his career and a steady drop from the 54.8% he shot in his MVP season and 52.9% in the season after. If the Sixers can get a more efficient Embiid and get him back to the free-throw line, then the offense can take another step forward under the guidance of coach Nick Nurse and Co. Despite the additions this team made, they will still lean on Embiid a lot in this offense.
Make a difference defensively
This is likely due to the injuries he's had to endure throughout his career, but it's obvious that Embiid is not the same defender he once was. To his credit, he did average 1.2 blocks per game in 2025-26, but it's obvious that he has lost a step on that end of the floor. However, he has been working out and looking healthy in the offseason and if he can get back at it and be available, then he could make a big difference on that end. If Embiid brings it defensively, then the Sixers become a much better team.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers 3 goals: Joel Embiid just needs one healthy playoff run
