Joel Embiid, the towering presence of the Philadelphia 76ers, has been a dominant force on the basketball court. Last season, he led the 76ers to an impressive 31-8 record, showcasing his ability to influence the game significantly. Averaging more than a point per minute, a feat reminiscent of Wilt Chamberlain's legendary career, Embiid has undeniably been a pivotal player. Despite this remarkable performance, Embiid's current season tells a different story, marked by persistent health issues and inconsistent play.
Embiid's journey through this tumultuous season began with an unpredictable swelling in his left knee, devoid of any apparent trauma or explanation. This health issue sidelined him for 15 games at one point, with the team opting to rest him during back-to-back games to minimize further wear and tear. His return on February 4 was nothing short of spectacular, as he delivered a triple-double with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. Yet, this triumph was overshadowed by the ongoing challenges he faced throughout the season.
In his career spanning 11 seasons, Embiid has played in only 452 of a possible 902 games, just over half. This season has been particularly challenging for both Embiid and the 76ers. Despite being accustomed to his absences, the team has struggled to maintain consistency without his presence on the court. His left knee has been a constant concern, prompting consultations with numerous specialists to assess its condition.
The 76ers have undoubtedly felt Embiid's absence. When on the floor, he has maintained an elite plus-7 per 100 possessions; however, the team has been 10 points worse when he played this season. His struggles with shooting have also been apparent, as he averaged his fewest points (23.8) in five years and his fewest rebounds (8.2) since his rookie season. Reflecting on his performance and contribution to the team, Embiid has been critical of his own professionalism, particularly regarding his tardiness to team events.
Despite these challenges, the 76ers have invested heavily in Embiid, hoping for a resurgence in the NBA playoffs. The organization committed nine figures to secure his talent and leadership for the future. However, his season has been limited by injury, specifically a torn meniscus that required surgery, allowing him to participate in only 39 games.
Throughout this ordeal, Embiid has remained candid about his situation and relationship with the team. He acknowledges the difficult decisions that sometimes need to be made for his well-being.
"Sometimes the team has to make tough decisions for me and save me from myself because I always want to play," – Joel Embiid
Embiid's collaboration with the team's management and medical staff has been pivotal.
"It's a relationship. We've been working together for years now. I've always looked at the big picture and I've always listened to them." – Joel Embiid
Looking ahead, Embiid remains realistic about managing his health and playing time.
"If I had to guess, I would probably never play back-to-backs the rest of my career." – Joel Embiid
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