After a near-decade of dominance, the Golden State Warriors are finally breaking down, with a record of 32-33 and ninth place in the Western Conference. With that, their dynasty might finally be done, unless they make a big move this offseason.
FanSided’s Christopher Kline believes they might, and could pursue one of the premier players in the NBA in Philadelphia 76ers franchise star Joel Embiid. While Embiid is not his prime self, he’s still one of the most dominant centers in the NBA.
“If the Sixers decide it’s time to pivot toward the future, however, offloading Embiid’s contract is theoretically step No. 1. He’s still a dominant offensive force when healthy. Few players command so much attention as soon as they touch the rock. The Sixers probably won’t get much value relative to Embiid’s talent, but for the Warriors, it’s not illogical to cough up a couple first-round picks just to see what happens. On paper, Embiid and Steph is the most dangerous offensive duo in the NBA. Embiid commands a double every time in the post, and he has a long history of working with gravity shooters on the perimeter. All those countless DHO actions for JJ Redick or Tyrese Maxey would be doubly effective with Steph. If the Dubs can find a way to keep Jimmy Butler, too, that reunites Embiid with perhaps his favorite NBA teammate to date. Embiid and Curry were partners at Under Armour once upon a time, so there’s an established relationship there. This probably is not as crazy as it sounds, even if the risk potentially outweighs the reward,” Kline wrote.
So far this season, Embiid is averaging 26.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 31 minutes per game, although he’s only played in 33 games. It’s wise to keep in mind Embiid is made of glass and is incredibly injury-prone, as the most games he’s ever played in a season is 68.
Embiid also just signed a three-year, $188 million extension, with a player option for year three of it. As long as the Warriors are willing to accept that and his fragility, this could be a perfect move for them.
As long as they can get 50 games out of Embiid in the regular season, there’s no reason they can’t be a top team in the West next year. Hopefully, the Dubs find a way to make it happen, and give Steph Curry one final Big Three to make a Finals run.
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