In the realm of sports, pressure can be a complex mix of hope, urgency, fear, desperation, and accountability. It can feel either oppressive or uplifting, and it only exists where there are stakes and tension. Will it lead to reward or disgrace? Will there be pain or gratification?
During the 2024-25 season, no one is likely to experience pressure more intensely than Joel Embiid. On Friday, the Philadelphia 76ers secured a three-year, $192.9 million extension for him, a piece of news that was not unexpected following what can only be described as a stellar offseason. This offseason featured max contracts for Tyrese Maxey and Paul George, along with strategic improvements across a roster that is, arguably, one of the most impressive Philadelphia has ever fielded. It is fair to assert that Embiid is more content now than he was in April.
The timing of this contract can be interpreted as a clear sign: Embiid is expressing strong confidence in the organization that drafted him a decade ago. In return for that expression of trust, a remarkable financial package will be deposited into his account. While there is risk involved—given that Embiid will turn 31 in March, has a tendency to fall frequently, and exhibits a combination of fragility and strength—this deal largely benefits both parties. It also establishes undeniable championship-or-bust expectations for a superstar who has spent nearly ten years missing out on promising chances.
(Injuries have certainly played a role, but Embiid’s preference for a playing style that invites contact and often leads him to the floor—coupled with struggles to maintain fitness and prevent avoidable injuries—means that “bad luck” cannot fully account for the challenges that have marked his career.)
Statistically, the Sixers are poised to provide Embiid with the most fitting talent he has ever had around him. For the only MVP in NBA history who hasn’t won two playoff series consecutively, this season could be characterized as a decisive moment. He is someone seeking to be remembered for his achievements rather than his missed opportunities, yet it’s fair to suggest that the latter might more accurately reflect his legacy thus far.
In a way, this perspective serves as a compliment. A minuscule number of NBA players can compare to his accomplishments or dominate both ends of the court as he does. However, his greatness is marred by a long series of unfortunate injuries, declining playoff performance, muted defensive presence, and a consistent struggle to uplift his teammates during crucial moments. Embiid has never averaged more points per shot attempt in the playoffs compared to his regular season performance, and a pattern emerges in the postseason where his assist rate decreases while his turnover percentage increases. (Since 2018, 25 players have logged a minimum of 100 minutes categorized as “high” or “very high” leverage—representing varying degrees of crunch time—
href=”https://www.pbpstats.com/totals/nba/player?Season=2023-24,2022-23,2021-22,2020-21,2019-20,2018-19,2017-18&SeasonType=Playoffs&Leverage=High,VeryHigh”>by Pbp Stats. In the minutes he played, Embiid recorded a dismal true shooting percentage of 44%, ranking sixth worst among his peers and significantly lower than that of his All-Star counterparts.
There’s no disgrace in falling short. Achieving a championship is exceedingly challenging and multifaceted. For someone like Embiid, it’s impossible to succeed if individuals in similar situations aren’t unified in their efforts. However, if he does not at least reach the conference finals during this contract period, as his body continues to age and George’s prime approaches its conclusion, he risks being remembered among the most significant underachievers in sports history. Few have as much at stake this season. While nothing is guaranteed, it is hard to envision anyone of Embiid’s caliber who has faced as much disappointment without ultimately achieving team-oriented recognition. That pivotal moment usually seems inevitable. (Fellow homegrown stars such as Jayson Tatum, Nikola Jokic, Steph Curry, and Giannis Antetokounmpo can confirm this.) It has to happen, right? But what if it doesn’t? That creates pressure.
Embiid, of course, is not alone. Every player in the NBA steps onto the court carrying different burdens. Without these pressures, the game would lack purpose and significance. Pressure is a vital and dynamic component of professional sports. However, it is not uniformly shared, a factor that intensifies the suspense.
Embiid undoubtedly feels more pressure than anyone else as the 2024-25 NBA season approaches. Here are four other individuals who will also experience significant pressure this season.
2. Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks
In 2023, Lillard achieved a career-best average of 32.2 points per game and ranked first in offensive estimated plus-minus. This was a major development! Following this, rumors surfaced that he was ready to leave Portland and join a team designed to compete for the championship. A stop-the-presses moment.
As we all know, what happened next was quite different. The Bucks faltered before they could determine their potential, and even though he was an All-Star, Lillard didn’t replicate his previous performance with the Blazers. According to BBall Index, he recorded 7.9 fewer points per 75 possessions, marking the biggest decline for any player with at least 1,000 minutes played from 2023 to 2024. His two-point shooting percentage dropped from a career-high of 57.4 to 49.0, and Milwaukee’s offense was hardly above average—and notably sluggish—when he played without Antetokounmpo.
The Bucks are now anxious for the 34-year-old Lillard to recover from what may be a significant decline. Having spent a full season and offseason adjusting to a new city, role, and expectations, his capability to regain the sharpness that once made him a clutch performer capable of dismantling defensive strategies is one of the most critical narratives in the league.
For many years, Lillard’s loyalty has earned him admiration. Should the Bucks fall apart sooner rather than later, that loyalty might not protect him from the reality of his current situation as the second option to an all-time great, striving for the elusive Finals appearance that remains absent from his Hall of Fame legacy.
3. Koby Altman, Cleveland Cavaliers GM
This summer, no organization took greater risks than the Cavaliers.
By extending Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen to contracts totaling $465.3 million, they are firmly committing to this core group.
Isaac Okoro is back, and with the decision not to trade Darius Garland, Altman has chosen to keep the promising roster intact, which is currently facing internal conflicts.
This situation presents a unique challenge for new head coach Kenny Atkinson, who is tasked with extracting more performance from a team that seemed unproductive under J.B. Bickerstaff. Atkinson is known for his intelligence, tireless work ethic, and creativity; however, the Cavaliers’ core issues may stem from systemic problems rather than individual shortcomings. Bickerstaff was not incompetent; he led the Cavs to incremental improvements each year. They adopted a defense-first philosophy and, following the Mitchell trade, ended the 2022-23 season with the second-best net rating. Quite impressive!
Atkinson faces a challenging situation due to the overlap among Cleveland’s top four players and their combined struggle to create floor spacing. By opting to maintain the status quo, Altman has embraced a complex dilemma, placing faith in Mobley’s offensive growth. This development is crucial and could determine the future of the entire franchise.
Mobley is not to blame for this predicament. Typically, a franchise cornerstone is paired with teammates who enhance his strengths and mask his weaknesses. Ideally, a young star is allowed time to mature as his shortcomings diminish and his abilities are honed. Unfortunately, the Cavs’ dynamic is reversed, as Mobley is pressured to rapidly enhance his game to address the team’s more significant structural challenges.
The urgency comes from a real concern that Cleveland might not find a solution quickly enough, particularly due to the lack of three-point shots generated with Mobley and Allen on the court together. Last season, only 32 percent of this big lineup’s shots were taken from beyond the arc. (For context, the Nuggets finished last in three-point rate last season, at 32.3 percent.)
At what point does the necessity for change become indisputable? Will they enter a third consecutive postseason with the same structural flaw, betting on strong defense and exceptional shot-making to propel them to the conference finals? If not, who is likely to be the odd one out? The answer, through no fault of his own, may be Allen—a productive and friendly rim-running shot-blocker who improves yearly and would be welcomed by nearly half the league.
In the past three years, Cleveland has shown a marked improvement when Allen plays without Mobley compared to the opposite scenario. When adding Mitchell to the mix, lineups featuring the five-time All-Star and Allen (but excluding Mobley) prove to be significantly more effective than those with Mobley (but without Allen). The synergy is straightforward. Yet, as my colleague Seerat Sohi accurately noted in a recent podcast, while Allen can elevate his team’s baseline performance, Mobley—who is nearly three years younger—holds the promise to elevate its potential to new heights.
In many respects, it seems logical to bring back the entire roster. None of the contracts, considered individually, were signed in haste or reflect desperation. This is a good team. If the goal is to remain competitive, resilient against scoring, with a decent chance to reach the conference finals, then drastic trades may not be needed. However, if the situation deteriorates before the February trade deadline, no general manager would face greater pressure to adjust the course. Sometimes, stability and
Mobility seems to be at odds with each other, especially in this context. Mitchell’s choice to remain allows everyone in Cleveland a moment to pause. The real question, however, is what exactly they are gasping for.
4. Julius Randle, New York Knicks
Since joining the Knicks in 2019, Randle has made two All-NBA teams and has been named an All-Star three times. This commendable track record has been overshadowed by two disastrous playoff runs and the surprising success New York achieved without him after he underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in April.
Numerous exciting developments have unfolded for this franchise over the last few months—from the Mikal Bridges trade to OG Anunoby’s new deal to Jalen Brunson’s remarkably generous pay cut. Reflecting on the Knicks, I often forget that Randle is even part of the team. This is partly due to how easy it was to overlook his absence in the playoffs when the Knicks succeeded in a way that deemed Randle’s statistical contributions unnecessary. While he could have alleviated the immense pressure that eventually caused their downfall, there was little opportunity to include him in Tom Thibodeau’s rotation earlier, especially given the pivotal roles of players like Brunson, Anunoby, Josh Hart, Isaiah Hartenstein, Donte DiVincenzo, and Mitchell Robinson.
It has become evident now what was previously clear before New York’s struggles began. The team discovered something unique with Brunson at the helm, bolstered by aggressive offensive rebounding, reliable outside shooters, and staunch defense. While Randle isn’t necessarily detrimental to this setup, the Knicks’ front office seems to be exercising caution before committing to a long-term deal for someone who was, just a year ago, the franchise’s centerpiece. Randle has a player option worth $30.9 million for the upcoming season. He is eligible for an extension, is 29 years old, and has shown durability. Prior to his arrival, the organization was mired in a state of confusion that made The Blair Witch Project’s setting seem like a playground. In 2021, he won the Most Improved Player award and, despite issues with shot selection and inconsistent defensive efforts, he possesses a unique ability to dominate opponents with a combination of strength and finesse that few can match.
An extension is highly unlikely, however. To secure his next contract—whether with New York or another team (the markets beyond New York feel limited)—Randle must adapt to a new on-court hierarchy that has already demonstrated its capacity to function, flourish, and develop without him. The atmosphere in New York’s locker room is distinct from those of recent NBA history. Bridges, Brunson, Hart, and DiVincenzo form what resembles a close-knit group, having built meaningful friendships at a time when connections are often viewed as more heartfelt rather than transactional.
This does not mean Randle will forever remain an outsider. However, given that a substantial financial commitment is at stake, he now needs to adjust aspects of his game, share the spotlight, and find fresh ways to contribute to winning in a roster that has evolved and improved both on and off the court in his absence. There is a possibility that it all works out harmoniously for everyone involved. Yet, it’s also conceivable that the nature of Randle’s play may never allow him to feel truly comfortable within the team’s dynamics.
5. Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat
Butler, in essence, has nothing left to prove. His reputation is solid, and his ability to win against the odds is widely acknowledged. Nevertheless, with his importance to the Heat—an esteemed organization now standing at a pivotal crossroads—feeling increasingly misaligned, the clock is ticking on a partnership between player and team that has exceeded expectations while simultaneously carrying an undercurrent of disappointment.
Last year
After a depleted Heat roster suffered a crushing defeat to the Boston Celtics in the first round, Butler faced public criticism from Pat Riley for not taking the regular season seriously enough. These comments were particularly striking given that Butler has led the team to three conference finals in just five years. Following that press conference, a contract extension has not been presented to Butler. While this doesn’t guarantee a separation or suggest it’s imminent—especially with Butler holding a $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season—this year feels pivotal in a career still ripe with potential for high-impact basketball. It’s certainly feasible that Butler could play in 70 games, earn a spot on an All-NBA team, and guide Miami to a top-four playoff seed this season. However, it’s equally probable that complications could arise, leading to a trade to a team optimistic about maximizing his remaining production.
What could Butler’s future hold if he were to move on from southern Florida? It might still be bright. However, predicting a prolonged period of clear skies seems challenging for a tenacious, unpredictable powerhouse whose body and mind may struggle to keep pace with the demands of an 82-game season.
Honorable mentions: Luka Doncic, Rob Pelinka, every player under 25 for the Denver Nuggets, Scoot Henderson, Mike Budenholzer, Anthony Edwards
Joel Embiid: The Pinnacle of Pressure in the 2024-25 NBA Season
The Rise of Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid has emerged as one of the most dominant forces in the NBA. Since being drafted in 2014, his journey has been marked by impressive performances, injuries, and a relentless pursuit of greatness. As we enter the 2024-25 NBA season, the pressure on Embiid has reached new heights. His performance will not only impact his team, the Philadelphia 76ers, but also the overall landscape of the league.
Key Factors Contributing to Pressure
Several factors contribute to the immense pressure facing Embiid this season:
- High Expectations: After leading the 76ers to the playoffs in previous years, fans and analysts expect nothing less than a championship run.
- Injury Concerns: Embiid’s history with injuries creates skepticism about his durability throughout the season.
- Team Dynamics: With roster changes, including new acquisitions and departures, team chemistry and performance will be under scrutiny.
- MVP Considerations: Embiid is consistently in the conversation for the MVP award, adding personal pressure to perform at an elite level.
2024-25 Season Outlook
As the 2024-25 season approaches, various elements will play a crucial role in how Joel Embiid handles the pressure:
1. Roster Changes and Team Strategy
The 76ers have made significant moves in the offseason, adding talent to support Embiid. Key acquisitions include:
| Player | Position | Previous Team |
|---|---|---|
| James Harden | Guard | Brooklyn Nets |
| Tobias Harris | Forward | Philadelphia 76ers |
| Tyrese Maxey | Guard | Philadelphia 76ers |
These additions are expected to relieve some of the scoring burden on Embiid, allowing him to focus on his defensive responsibilities and playmaking abilities.
2. Embiid’s Playing Style
Embiid’s unique skill set, including his ability to shoot from the perimeter, post up defenders, and facilitate plays, will be critical in navigating the challenges of the 2024-25 season. His physicality and agility allow him to dominate in the paint while also stretching the floor, providing the 76ers with multiple offensive options.
3. Mental Resilience
The pressure of being a franchise player can be overwhelming. Embiid’s mental toughness will be tested throughout the season. It’s essential for him to maintain focus and composure, especially in high-stakes situations. Practicing mindfulness and mental conditioning can be beneficial strategies for managing the stress associated with performing at such a high level.
Benefits of Joel Embiid’s Leadership
Embiid’s presence on the court is not just about his scoring. His leadership qualities and ability to uplift his teammates are paramount. Some benefits of his leadership role include:
- Motivation: His work ethic and tenacity inspire teammates to perform better.
- Communication: Effective communication fosters team chemistry and a cohesive playing style.
- Accountability: Embiid holds himself and his teammates accountable, promoting a winning culture.
Case Studies: Previous Seasons Under Pressure
Examining Embiid’s past performances in high-pressure situations provides insight into how he might handle the challenges of the upcoming season:
1. 2021 NBA Playoffs
During the 2021 postseason, Embiid faced immense pressure to lead the 76ers. Despite battling injuries, he delivered several standout performances:
- Average Points: 30.6
- Rebounds per Game: 12.7
- Field Goal Percentage: 51.3%
2. 2022 NBA Season
The 2022 season saw Embiid finish as a finalist for the MVP award. He showcased resilience by overcoming injuries and maintaining a high level of performance:
- Games Played: 68
- Average Points: 33.0
- Defensive Player of the Year Consideration
Practical Tips for Handling Pressure
For athletes like Embiid, managing pressure is crucial for success. Here are some practical tips that can be beneficial:
- Set Realistic Goals: Focus on achievable objectives rather than overwhelming expectations.
- Develop a Routine: Establishing a consistent pre-game routine can help reduce anxiety.
- Seek Support: Utilize coaches and sports psychologists to navigate mental challenges.
- Practice Visualization: Visualizing successful plays can help enhance performance under pressure.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Joel Embiid
Embiid’s own experiences provide valuable lessons on coping with pressure:
“Every season brings its own challenges. I’ve learned that it’s about focusing on the process and not just the end result. Taking it one game at a time helps manage the pressure.” – Joel Embiid
Looking Ahead: The 2024-25 NBA Season
As the 2024-25 NBA season unfolds, all eyes will be on Joel Embiid. His ability to cope with the pressure will be a defining factor not only for his legacy but also for the future of the Philadelphia 76ers. With elevated expectations, strategic roster changes, and his unique skill set, Embiid stands poised to make this season one for the history books.
