Marcus Hayes: Embiid Leads 76ers to Playoffs Like Wentz in 2017

The Sixers star carried his team to the postseason despite injuries, similar to the Eagles QB's 2017 season.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:38am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a basketball game, conceptually representing the outsized impact of a team's star player.A cubist interpretation of a star player leading his team to the playoffs despite injury setbacks, capturing the resilience and determination of Philadelphia sports icons.Philadelphia Today

In a column for Lancaster Online, sports writer Marcus Hayes draws a parallel between the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles season and the 2026 Philadelphia 76ers season. Just as Carson Wentz led the Eagles to an 11-2 record before suffering a season-ending injury, Joel Embiid has carried the 76ers to the playoffs despite missing time due to injury.

Why it matters

The comparison highlights how a team's success can hinge on the performance of its star player, and how injuries to that player can dramatically impact a team's fortunes. It also speaks to the resilience and leadership of both Wentz and Embiid in guiding their teams through adversity.

The details

In 2017, the Eagles were 11-2 and in control of the NFC East when Carson Wentz tore his ACL in Week 13. His backup, Nick Foles, went on to lead the team to a Super Bowl victory. This season, the 76ers have relied heavily on Joel Embiid to make the playoffs, despite the star center missing time due to injury.

  • In the 13th game of the 2017 Eagles season, Carson Wentz suffered a season-ending knee injury.
  • The 76ers have clinched a playoff berth in the 2026 NBA season.

The players

Carson Wentz

The starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017 who led the team to an 11-2 record before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

Joel Embiid

The star center for the Philadelphia 76ers who has carried the team to the playoffs in the 2026 NBA season despite missing time due to injury.

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What they’re saying

“In the 13th game of the 2017 Eagles season, Carson Wentz, the team's best player, blew out his knee in Los Angeles. At the end of that game the Birds were 11-2, and after Wentz's backup won the”

— Marcus Hayes, Sports Columnist

The takeaway

The parallels between Wentz's 2017 season and Embiid's 2026 season demonstrate the outsized impact a team's star player can have, and how injuries to that player can make or break a season. Both players have shown the ability to elevate their teams and carry them to the playoffs despite adversity.