Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is entering his 11th NBA season, despite being drafted in 2014. His team, at least on paper, is the most talented that he’s ever had. In the offseason, Philadelphia traded for Jaylen Brown, who will provide an elite scorer who can convert from all levels.

Additionally, the team added NBA icon LeBron James, who brings court vision and the ability to finish strong at the rim, despite being in his 40s. A former ESPN commentator draws a distinct parallel between the Philadelphia pivot and an NFL team

NBA Analyst Uses NFL Parallel to Question Joel Embiid’s Effectiveness

Joel Embiid is a seven-time All-Star, also making five All-NBA teams, on top of winning an MVP award. With career averages of 27.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, the center looks like he’s etched a Hall of Fame career.

Yet, with a history of injuries that has limited him to just 96 regular-season games over the last three years, questions abound. Former ESPN host Ryen Russillo, on “Wake Up Barstool,” drew an NFL comparison.

“I just wonder if this Sixers team is a little Cowboys-ish, where every week, we’re gonna be saying ‘what’s wrong with the Sixers,'” he said.

Russillo’s Cowboys’ take actually fits the 76ers for a few reasons. First, over the last 11 seasons, the Dallas Cowboys have made the playoffs five times, including four division championships, which means they have been no lower than the No. 4 seed in the playoffs. In the same time period, the 76ers have made the playoffs eight times. Granted, making the NFL playoffs is far more difficult.

Next, the Cowboys have not advanced past the second round of the NFL playoffs in that time. Similarly, Philadelphia hasn’t, either, despite winning a division title. Russillo’s assertions rest at the feet of both franchise leaders: in Dallas, that’s Dak Prescott; in Philadelphia, that’s Embiid.

“Is Dak [Prescott] elite? Is Embiid still elite?” he pondered.

For Embiid, as with Prescott, one question will always need to be asked: Is he healthy?

When physically capable, Embiid is a 25-point, ten-rebound offensive threat that makes roughly half of his field goals. Plus, he connects on a third of his three-point attempts and shoots over 80% from the free-throw line.

Defensively, blocking over a shot per game for his career means that Embiid is still elite, but lingering questions about his health remain. He’s played over 65 regular-season games twice and fewer than 50 games four times, excluding his first two NBA seasons, which he missed with foot injuries.

On paper, the 76ers look like an NBA contender, having a starting five that looks dominant. However, Embiid’s health remains the great unknown variable. If he can avoid the injury bug, Philadelphia looks like a viable threat. If he cannot, can the team play as well in his absence?