Once and For All week, which will be starting May 18th, will feature five of the best debates in Philly sports history. Donovan McNabb, Carson Wentz, Gabe Kapler, The Process, and the '08 Phillies. We will finally be getting answers to some of the most heated debates we have had over the last decade.
But what arguments are next?
A guess at some of the next big debates the callers of 94WIP will be getting into over the coming years:
Should the Sixers trade Joel Embiid?
This one could be coming sooner rather than later. Embiid is without question the best player on the Sixers, and at his best, he is one of the best players in the league. His somewhat rocky relationship with ownership, however, seems to be becoming more-and-more of an issue, which could lead to serious trade speculation whenever this offseason begins. The question the Sixers and their fans will have to ask themselves is this — do they sell high on Embiid, trying to recoup value now, or risk him leaving as a free agent 2022 season?
Will the Eagles fire Doug Pederson?
Let's be clear — Pederson is not anywhere near the hot seat, nor does he deserve to be. When it comes to the power structure at the Eagles, however, he is a distant second behind Howie Roseman, and despite the selection of Jalen Hurts, Carson Wentz might be ahead of him as well. As a result, if Jeffrey Lurie needs to make a major change to the current Eagles, Pederson's head is likely the first to go on the chopping block. If the Eagles once again get off to a slow start next season, or if Wentz doesn't look like an improved player from last season, it would not be surprising to see Pederson's seat heat up — and for the debate to begin on his future.
Which was a worse pick, Andre Dillard or Danny Watkins?
The early results are not good for Eagles' 2019 1st-round pick Andre Dillard. Dillard struggled in limited action last season, and even had to be benched in one game at halftime (albeit at right tackle). The result has been an offseason of speculation that the Eagles not only might bring back Jason Peters for another season, but that they could trade Dillard just one year after using a first-round pick on him. It seemed almost impossible that there could be another miss on the level of Danny Watkins, but it wouldn't be surprising if this time next year we are all discussing which of the two were a bigger miss.
Are the 2021 Phillies better than the 2008 Phillies?
Let's end on a positive note. Of the three teams, the Phillies feel like the most likely to win the title next. They have a bonafide superstar in Bryce Harper, who feels more dependable than Wentz or Embiid. They have a very good cast around him, and if the DH is here to stay beyond the shortened 2020 season, they will have an elite lineup. With Aaron Nola leading the top of the rotation, Zach Wheeler as a potential very solid No. 2 and some intriguing young arms on their way up, the pitching staff might end up being a strength, not a weakness. Add in a World Series-winning manager in Joe Girardi, and the pieces might come together quicker for the Phillies than many expected. If Harper leads the Phillies to a parade down Broad Street, the debate over which team was better will be an interesting one — and one Phillies fans will be very happy to have.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
