As the 2024-25 NBA season unfolds, fantasy basketball managers are grappling with a familiar challenge: navigating the rocky terrain of rostering Joel Embiid. The 76ers’ star center is an undeniable force on the court, but his propensity for missing games due to load management and injury can leave fantasy owners feeling frustrated and uncertain. However, with the right strategies in place, it’s possible to build a winning team even with Embiid’s unpredictable availability.
Embracing the Embiid Enigma
There’s no denying that Embiid is a fantasy powerhouse when he’s on the court. Over the past three seasons, he’s been one of only seven players in NBA history to average at least 30 points and 10 rebounds per game multiple times. His sheer dominance makes him an early-round draft pick year after year, despite the ever-present risk of missed games.
According to a source close to the 76ers organization, the team plans to continue their cautious approach with Embiid’s workload this season. The star center himself has hinted that he may never play in back-to-back games again as part of the effort to preserve his health for the long haul. For fantasy managers, this means accepting that Embiid will likely miss a significant portion of the season, just as he has in years past.
Planning for Inevitable Absences
The key to succeeding with Embiid on your roster is to plan for his absences from the outset. This means drafting with the understanding that you’ll need to field a competitive team even when your star center is sitting on the sidelines. One approach is to prioritize depth and flexibility in the later rounds of your draft, targeting players who can fill in the gaps when Embiid is out.
Another strategy is to pay close attention to the 76ers’ roster and rotation throughout the season. When Embiid sits, other players naturally see an uptick in usage and production. Tyrese Maxey, for example, has proven to be a reliable source of scoring and assists when called upon to shoulder a larger role. However, with Maxey currently sidelined by a hamstring injury, fantasy managers will need to look elsewhere for short-term relief.
Uncovering Hidden Gems
One player who could see a significant boost in Embiid’s absence is veteran big man Andre Drummond. Currently rostered in just 20.7% of ESPN leagues, Drummond has a track record of putting up monster rebounding numbers when given the opportunity. Last season with the Bulls, he averaged a whopping 17.9 rebounds per game in 10 starts. If you have the roster space, stashing Drummond could pay big dividends on nights when Embiid is out.
Another name to keep an eye on is Kelly Oubre Jr., who is rostered in 38.6% of ESPN leagues. Oubre saw a notable uptick in scoring last season when Embiid was sidelined, averaging 17.1 points per game compared to just 13.4 when Embiid played. With Maxey out of the lineup for the foreseeable future, Oubre’s scoring prowess could become even more valuable.
The Art of the Trade
For some fantasy managers, the headache of rostering Embiid may prove too much to bear. If you find yourself in this camp, trading the star center is always an option – but it’s important to tread carefully. Embiid’s name value and undeniable on-court impact can make it tempting to demand a king’s ransom in return, but the reality is that his injury history and load management concerns have likely diminished his trade value in the eyes of your league mates.
If you do decide to shop Embiid, targeting a more reliable elite player like Nikola Jokic or Anthony Davis may be worth considering. Alternatively, packaging Embiid with another solid player on your roster could help you secure multiple valuable pieces in return. The key is to have realistic expectations and to negotiate from a position of strength, highlighting Embiid’s immense upside rather than dwelling on his inherent risks.
Staying the Course
Ultimately, the decision of whether to stick with Embiid or cut bait will come down to your individual team’s needs and your tolerance for risk. If you drafted Embiid with eyes wide open, knowing full well the challenges that come with rostering him, then staying the course may be the wisest path forward. After all, when Embiid is on the court, he’s capable of putting up numbers that few other players can match.
Last season, Embiid recorded 26 games with 30+ points and 10+ rebounds, tied for the second-most in the league. He also scored 1.03 points per minute, making him the only player to reach that mark since Wilt Chamberlain in 1961-62.
– Per NBA Advanced Stats
With numbers like those, it’s hard to argue against holding onto Embiid if you have the roster depth to weather his absences. The key is to stay active on the waiver wire, be opportunistic with trades, and above all, remain patient. Fantasy basketball is a marathon, not a sprint, and having a generational talent like Embiid on your side can tilt the odds in your favor when it matters most.
Embracing the Challenge
At the end of the day, rostering Joel Embiid is not for the faint of heart. It requires a certain level of risk tolerance, strategic planning, and perhaps even a bit of luck. But for those willing to take on the challenge, the rewards can be immense. By staying informed, adapting to changing circumstances, and making smart decisions around the margins, fantasy managers can build a winning team even with Embiid’s unpredictable availability.
So as the season unfolds, don’t let the Embiid enigma discourage you. Embrace the challenge, trust in your abilities as a fantasy manager, and remember that every obstacle is just another opportunity to prove your mettle in the ever-competitive world of fantasy basketball. With the right approach, you can turn the headache of rostering Embiid into the stuff of championship dreams.
