LeBron James Will Need to Play Center After Joel Embiid’s Struggles in 1st Preseason Game, Says Kendrick Perkins

Kendrick Perkins sounded the alarm on Joel Embiid and suggested LeBron James could replace him as the center of the Philadelphia 76ers.

LeBron James Will Need to Play Center After Joel Embiid’s Struggles in 1st Preseason Game, Says Kendrick Perkins

Kendrick Perkins on Joel Embiid and LeBron James (Image credits - The Nation and Fullcourtpass)

It is going to take the Philadelphia 76ers some time for the likes of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and LeBron James to build some team chemistry. However, they will try to put the pieces together as they look to chase an NBA championship over the next couple of seasons.

There has been a lot of talk about how the star-studded team will gel ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. The NBA got a small glimpse when the 76ers took on the Brooklyn Nets in their second preseason game.

With only Brown featuring in their first preseason game, there was a lot of hype for Thursday night. Embiid and James took to the court for the first time as 76ers teammates, which ended in a 114-108 loss at the Barclays Center.

There was a lot of excitement in the crowd as James donned the 76ers jersey for the first time. While they lost, James’ performance was a big positive, as he paired well with his new teammates from tip-off. However, Embiid’s lackluster performance was a bit of a concern.

Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins was unhappy with how Embiid looked on the court and even suggested James could play center instead.

I didn’t like the way that Joel Embiid looked last night. To me, he wasn’t moving well, which pointed to me that says LeBron James is gonna play a lot of center position this year. The Philadelphia 76ers actually could win the Eastern Conference this year, and make it to the NBA Finals with LeBron playing majority of the center position.

Kendrick Perkins on First Take

Embiid has never been under more pressure when it comes to delivering a championship. After the signing of James in the summer, the expectations on the 76ers has been championship or bust for the upcoming campaign. However, Embiid’s movement and body language against the Nets did raise some concerns, but if history is to go by, he is known for being a slow starter.

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Could LeBron James replace Joel Embiid as the center for the 76ers?

It is hard to imagine Embiid being replaced by anyone, considering he is the franchise superstar. It is definitely a wild suggestion from Kendrick Perkins. While it was just a preseason game, it is something to keep an eye on when the season gets underway.

LeBron James and Joel Embiid at practice
LeBron James and Joel Embiid at practice (Image via The Aesthetic/X)

Injuries and health have always been a concern for Embiid throughout his career. However, there is no denying that he is one of the best centers in the world when healthy. After all, he is a former MVP and a two-time scoring champion in the league. Embiid is well aware of the massive expectations heading into the new season.

While Joel Embiid is expected to improve as the season goes on, his health is something that can’t be ignored. When unavailable. James is more than capable of playing center, as the 76ers have more than enough firepower on the team, and Maxey could play as the point guard.

James is one of the few players in the league who can play all five positions. It might not be exactly what the 76ers want but if that is what the situation requires, the team will have to adjust.

Nick Nurse names LeBron James as one of the candidates to play as center

From their first preseason game together, it is clear the 76ers still have a lot of work to do to build team chemistry. However, they were dealt a major blow in their first preseason game when Ariel Hukporti went down holding his leg. It was later confirmed that he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.

With one backup center down, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse named some of the players who could play at the five.

Dean Wade would be another candidate. I think LeBron is another candidate. I think he’s played some small ball five as well. We have like four or five guys. I think we probably go with that crew unless something else emerges.

Nick Nurse in his press conference

Embiid is expected to miss several games as the 76ers try to load-manage him. They will need their big man to be as healthy as possible when the playoffs get underway next year. As a result, LeBron James may play center in some games.

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