76ers secure Joel Embiid insurance in First Round of 2026 NBA Mock Draft

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Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is reported as day-to-day by ESPN, making him a potential player for Game 3 against the Knicks.

The Philadelphia 76ers have to send their own 2026 first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Luckily, the Sixers received a different first-round from the Thunder in the return package for Jared McCain. That pick technically belongs to the Houston Rockets and is projected to be around the 22nd overall pick in the draft.

Perhaps the Sixers can secure some Joel Embiid insurance with it.

76ers Select Washington Center Hannes Steinbach in First Round of 2026 NBA Mock Draft

GettySEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 03: Quimari Peterson #0 and Hannes Steinbach #6 of the Washington Huskies react during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena on December 03, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

In the first round of a recent 2026 NBA mock draft, Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports has the Sixers selecting Washington big man Hannes Steinbach. The logic is that Steinbach could potentially serve as a reliable backup behind star center Joel Embiid while also being a guy who could slide into the starting spot when Embiid inevitably misses games due to injury issues.

And who knows, if the Sixers entertain the idea of moving on from Embiid over the offseason, perhaps Steinbach could even serve as long-term replacement at the center spot for Philadelphia.

“Steinbach played professionally in Germany before enrolling at Washington, and he’ll enter the NBA with some readymade skills as an interior scorer and rebounder. He has massive hands that he uses to grab every possible rebound and finish effectively around the basket.  He also showed legitimate touch on 3-pointers in flashes, which would turn him into a very different player if it becomes real,” O’Connor wrote.

“He needs to be the right kind of center for the right team, and for Philadelphia he could anchor bench units when Embiid is healthy, and potentially play a bigger role when he’s not. No matter what happens with Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe are both young pieces who need a big man to support them. Steinbach has all the tools needed.”

Joel Embiid’s Future in Philadelphia

GettyJoel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 16, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

While some might suggest that the Sixers should try to trade Embiid over the offseason due to his consistent availability issues, doing so will be easier said than done for Philadelphia.

First of all, there’s been no indication that the Sixers are interested in moving on from Embiid, and even if they were, his contract could prove prohibitive. Embiid still has three years and over $180 million remaining on his current contract with the Sixers, including a $67 million player option for the 2028-29 season.

Given the concerns about his health, it’s hard to imagine another team taking on that massive contract. But hey, crazier things have happened.