The Philadelphia 76ers were in a difficult position from the start of Sunday night’s game, as they relied on 41-year-old LeBron James to start at center. That position is typically reserved for Joel Embiid, but he sat out against the Detroit Pistons.
The veteran center pleaded with the media on Saturday night after recording a triple-double, asking reporters to convince the organization to let him play. It did not work, as he was ultimately ruled out.
“A day after Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid asked reporters to campaign for him to play in Sunday's game against Detroit -- the second of the Sixers' first back-to-back this season -- the 76ers ruled out Embiid for Sunday night's game against the Detroit Pistons with right foot plantar fasciitis management,” ESPN’s Kris Rhim wrote.
It was clear during the contest that James can no longer be as physical as he once was when playing against bigger opponents.
“Playing center, it was a tough start for James. There are moments when one realizes that for as great as James is, he is still 41 and he doesn’t jump as high or move as fast as he once did. The Pistons were dominant on the glass led by Collins and former Sixers big man Paul Reed as James was not able to keep them off the boards,” Sixers Wire’s Ky Carlin wrote.
After the game, James gave an honest assessment of playing center now and in the future.
“I’m not here to have a sustainable role at the 5 when you got Joel Embiid … but it’s a role we can tap into if we need it,” James told the media.
As one of the greatest players to ever play the game, James understands that center is not the ideal position for him at this stage of his career. His comments could also signal that Philadelphia needs to consider adding another big man through a trade or free agency.
Embiid is likely to miss time throughout the season, given his injury history. However, James knows that playing center for an extended stretch is not a sustainable solution. At 41, he no longer has the same physicality he once did to consistently battle seven-footers in the paint.
