Embiid's Workload Highlights Philadelphia's Center Depth Crisis
AI-generated image · US National Wire
A lack of viable backup bigs has forced Joel Embiid into career-high minutes early in the 2026-27 season.
The Philadelphia 76ers enter the 2026-27 NBA season with a glaring roster construction flaw: a severe lack of depth behind 32-year-old center Joel Embiid, who carries an extensive injury history, as Sports Illustrated first reported.
This shortage has placed a significant burden on Embiid, who is averaging a career-high 35.8 minutes per game over his first four appearances this season. This workload was evident during a 114-109 win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, where Embiid played a season-high 39 minutes, despite the Pacers missing lead guard Tyrese Haliburton and starting center Ivica Zubac.
Sports Illustrated reports that the depth crisis was exacerbated when backup Ariel Hukporti suffered a season-ending Achilles injury during the preseason. While Adem Bona remains the only other legitimate center on the roster, he has averaged only 12.4 minutes per game, signaling a lack of full trust from head coach Nick Nurse. Further complicating the rotation are early-season injuries to Jabari Walker and Dominick Barlow, as well as a hip injury to two-way player Tacko Fall.
To address the void, the 76ers have been granted a disabled player exception following Hukporti's injury. However, Sports Illustrated notes the team cannot fill its final 15th roster spot until December due to contract proration, unless a current player is cut.