Daryl Morey teases MVP-level Embiid — with a big ‘if’

Every time Daryl Morey opens his mouth, a little part of me dies. The Sam Hinkie wannabe has long overstayed his welcome in Philadelphia, but the organization is too lazy — or too scared — to move on and start the rebuild this team clearly needs.

Instead, we’re getting another round of “run-it-back”… again. For like, the fourth time. It’s both literally and metaphorically insane. But hey, maybe we’ll get MVP-level Joel Embiid back, right?

Well, according to Daryl Morey himself, we might — if Embiid returns.

Daryl Morey maybe just misspoke?

Daryl Morey sparks debate by saying Joel Embiid will play like an MVP *if* he returns to the 76ers 👀

"You had knee issues." @GeorgesNiang20

"Look at me now. Can't walk." @ChandlerParsons

"Daryl drafted Chandler and traded me. I'm not giving the benefit of doubt." @TeamLou23 pic.twitter.com/fjky89n3cn

— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) May 19, 2025

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There are three ways to interpret this. The first — and the one the Sixers will probably default to if questioned — is that Morey just misspoke. Plausible. But you could also argue it was a Freudian slip. That’s a conversation for another day.

The other two readings are more concerning. Either Morey meant “if” Embiid returns to the Sixers, he’ll play at a high level. Or — worse — if Embiid returns to basketball at all, he’ll be back in MVP form. Either way, that’s not the kind of phrasing you just casually throw out there and expect Philly fans not to notice.

Considering Embiid’s never-ending injury issues — including a knee that’s been a problem for over a year — I think it’s pretty clear his best days are behind him. Running it back with Embiid as the centerpiece just delays the inevitable: a full-blown rebuild, likely with someone other than Daryl Morey steering the ship.

Right now, the Sixers are in the absolute worst spot any NBA team can be in — not bad enough to get a top pick, not good enough to make a real playoff run, and clinging to the hope that a 31-year-old Embiid will magically dominate in May.

I’d rather rip the band-aid off now. And honestly, I think most Sixers fans would agree.