Photo: Philadelphia 76ers/Twitter

Even if Joel Embiid is no longer positioned as the centerpiece of Philadelphia’s long-term plans, Tim Bontemps notes that he remains a crucial piece of the current roster.

League figures told ESPN that the team still needs to be intentional about how it uses him whenever he’s healthy enough to play.

One executive said the Sixers will have to find ways to maximize Embiid “in a strategic way” over the course of the season, tailoring his role to fit the team’s new structure.

A scout emphasized that Embiid’s importance goes beyond scoring or offensive creation – his defensive presence is still something the Sixers can’t replicate.

“They’re not good enough defensively [without him],” the scout said. “That’s why I have a hard time believing in them.”

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR