Way too early prediction for the 76ers 2023-24 starting lineup

Center: Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid broke through and won his first MVP last season, now the 76ers need him to carry that dominance through to the postseason. Even though he struggled against the Celtics and even though he was mostly stymied in their elimination game, he is still one of the most dominating two-way players in the game and the foundational piece for these 76ers.

Next season, the 76ers would be wise to try and help Embiid maintain the changes he made to accommodate Harden — more pick-and-roll, less static post-ups — even if Harden is no longer around. It made the entire offense more healthy and creates a better ecosystem for Milton and Maxey to step up and thrive.

Behind Embiid, should be nothing but a re-signed Paul Reed. The 76ers might like him to be part of the solution to their forward platoon but he almost never played next to Embiid last year and makes more sense as a small-ball 5. But if they can bring him back and give him a bit more autonomy in non-Embiid minutes (or when Embiid is hurt) he’s a skilled, active presence who can really offer a different look and help the 76ers unlock some of the versatility they’ve been lacking.

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