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As the Philadelphia 76ers begin the 2026 offseason, they are confronted with a reality that seems far more significant than a single postseason loss.
Small tweaks or short-term remedies around the roster’s periphery no longer seem to be the focus of this summer. Philadelphia is about to embark on one of the most significant offseasons of the Joel Embiid era following another postseason marred by injuries, inconsistency, and depth issues. The pressure is still there, it has just gotten bigger, if anything.
Since the Eastern Conference is becoming younger, deeper, and more athletic, even though the Sixers still have elite players. And the organization’s top concerns seem unavoidable after yet another postseason run in which well-known flaws reappeared.
The Same Postseason Concerns Resurfaced Again
Joel Embiid’s continued health throughout the postseason has been a key component of Philadelphia’s title ambitions for many years.
Every season eventually hits the same pressure point, which is the issue. What happens if Embiid has to shoulder too much of the frontcourt duty alone, misses time, or develops physical limitations? Throughout the 2025-26 season, Philadelphia struggled by this issue, which also became more apparent during the postseason.
The Sixers sometimes encountered trouble with rotational depth behind Embiid, lineup flexibility, inside physicality, and rebounding consistency. Philadelphia frequently lacked the kind of long-term frontcourt backing that many competitive teams need on well into postseason campaigns when injuries started to affect the lineup. This summer seems to be more about creating a squad structure that can last a full postseason run than it is about adding just another big-name player.
Why The NBA Draft Suddenly Matters More
For this reason, one of the organization’s biggest pressure points is the 2026 NBA Draft. Philadelphia has the chance to surround its current core with younger, more affordable, and long-lasting frontcourt depth with the No. 22 overall choice.
Additionally, with VJ Edgecombe’s long-term potential in the backcourt and Tyrese Maxey continuing to establish himself as one of the team’s cornerstones, the Sixers’ summer focus naturally swings toward adding athletic, versatile size around them. Developmental projects that could be beneficial in the future are no longer needed in Philadelphia. Sooner rather than later, the Sixers need players who can help stabilize the rotation as these demands seem to be directly met by a number of candidates who are entering the draft process.
Allen Graves May Fit Exactly What Philadelphia Lacks
In early mock drafts, Allen Graves is still one of the more plausible names associated with Philadelphia, and it makes perfect sense.
During his first campaign, the 6-foot-8 Santa Clara forward averaged 11.8 points and 6.5 rebounds while showcasing dependable floor-spacing skills and effective scoring. Graves has the kind of positional versatility that has grown in value throughout the current NBA playoffs, especially when paired with a stated 7-foot wingspan.
During longer postseason stretches, Philadelphia has frequently battled with lineup flexibility around its studs. Graves’ capacity to both stretch the floor offensively and defend various positions could help address a number of those problems at once. Another high-usage scorer is not absolutely necessary for the Sixers. They require useful two-way players who can enhance the current stars.
Chris Cenac Jr. Offers Long-term Frontcourt Upside
Chris Cenac Jr., whose value is primarily focused on size, athleticism, and long-term defensive development, is another fascinating option.
Behind Embiid, Cenac provides the kind of rebounding and shot-blocking support Philadelphia has continuously lacked. His physical skills and interior presence instantly jump out as qualities the Sixers might target going into this offseason, even though he may still need offensive growth.
Cenac’s long-term potential becomes tough to ignore for a team that has frequently battled to maintain steady interior production anytime Embiid misses time. Younger frontcourt depth that can eventually take on more responsibility within the rotation is sorely needed by Philadelphia.
Henri Veesaar Could Provide Immediate Versatility
One of the more intriguing “plug-and-play” options close to Philadelphia’s selection range would be Henri Veesaar.
In college, the 7-foot stretch-big contributed as a rebounder and rim protector while shooting more than 50% from three-point range. Frontcourt players who can protect the paint while spreading the floor are still among the NBA’s most useful supplementary players.
For a squad built around Maxey’s speed and Embiid’s inside dominance, that versatility is even more crucial. When length, spacing, and athletic versatility surround its main studs, Philadelphia has frequently looked its finest. Veesaar’s skill set makes sense in that regard.
This Offseason is About Sustainability, Not Headlines
In the end, pursuing another big move doesn’t seem to be the main focus of this offseason. It seems to be focused on sustainability.
The Sixers still have enough elite players to compete in the Eastern Conference. However, Philadelphia’s priorities became more apparent after yet another season in which injuries, depth issues, and frontcourt imbalance became significant problems. More talent is not the only thing the team needs, the Sixers really need a roster that can withstand the physical strain of a full postseason run as well as one of the first genuine chances to begin laying that foundation could be this year’s draft.
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Sports journalism student at the University of Oregon covering the Philadelphia 76ers with passion and perspective.
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