Joel Embiid has had a beautiful profession. With many accolades underneath his belt, together with the NBA MVP award and scoring champion title, he’s made a legacy for being probably the greatest massive males of his period.
Sadly, he’s additionally had his fair proportion of accidents, and issues have been up and down by way of his well being during the last two seasons. In 2023-24, Embiid solely performed in 39 video games. Up to now this season, Embiid has solely been out there for 18 video games.
Embiid has struggled with knee issues for the reason that 2023-24 season, as he underwent meniscus surgical procedure in February 2024. Embiid returned to the courtroom in April 2024, however issues have been rocky since.
Joel Embiid’s Lengthy Damage Wrestle
After the Philadelphia 76ers misplaced to the Boston Celtics 124-104 on Feb. 20, Embiid appeared a bit down following the sport. He spoke about his damage and the issues he’s had with it this season.
Joel Embiid, on whether or not the knee is limiting him:
“The way in which I used to be taking part in a 12 months in the past, it is not the way in which I am taking part in proper now. It sucks. However I consider … I in all probability want to repair the issue after which I will be again at that degree, however it’s exhausting to have belief if you’re not your self.”… pic.twitter.com/CneQ5zTTMA— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) February 21, 2025
“The way in which I used to be taking part in a 12 months in the past, it’s not the way in which I’m taking part in proper now. It sucks,” Embiid stated. “However I consider … I in all probability want to repair the issue after which I’ll be again at that degree, however it’s exhausting to have belief if you’re not your self.”
“… It’s robust as a result of you already know you are able to do a lot extra.”
With the damage limiting Embiid this season, he’s performed barely under his conventional requirements, averaging 24.3 factors, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per recreation. Contemplating Embiid has averaged over 30 factors a recreation within the final three seasons, the damage is clearly taking its toll.
Can the 76ers Climb out of the Gap?
Embiid should discover a approach to get his damage taken care of as he will likely be relied upon down the stretch if the Sixers need any shot of really making the playoffs. Might Philly shut Embiid down for the remainder of the season?
That’s a tough query. On one hand, this Paul George experiment has not gone nicely, as he has performed nicely under his earlier requirements. Tyrese Maxey has emerged as probably the most constant participant on the workforce, however that’s not going to be sufficient.
Maxey is taking part in like an All-NBA degree participant, averaging 27.3 factors, 3.5 rebounds, and 6.1 assists, however his capturing share is barely down as nicely. If Maxey has to hold this workforce whereas George and Embiid are nursing accidents, it’s exhausting to see a path for the 76ers to achieve success.
For the Sixers to succeed in their full potential as a workforce, they want George, Maxey, and Embiid collectively on the courtroom wholesome. The one concern is that if that may ever occur.
