Joel Embiid has had a very unique career arc. He sat out his first two seasons with injuries. Then, he almost won Rookie of the Year playing only 31 games, won an MVP, and has now played just 52 combined games between this and last season. His career has been defined by frequently missing games with injuries while being one of the most dominant players in the league when he does play. Embiid has been in and out of the lineup this year with injuries, rest, and even a suspension. As fans constantly check the Sixers injury report for Embiid’s health status before games, some within the Philadelphia 76ers organization have reportedly been disappointed with Embiid’s availability this season.
Former MVP Causing Internal Frustrations Within His Organization
Embiid’s Health Status In Flux
Part of the frustrations around Embiid’s health are because of how inconsistent it has been. Every day, it seems not only fans but the team itself is unclear on whether they will have Embiid in the lineup for their next game.
Earlier this season, Shams Charania of ESPN reported on a story perfectly exemplifying this. Embiid was listed as doubtful for a game and nobody on or around the team had heard from him. Then he showed up to warmups and played in the game.
For this reason and many more, Charania has said that the Sixers are growing frustrated. They will likely have some sort of conversation with Embiid about his health.
The Sixers Injury Report Has Defined Their Season
If the Sixers were playing better, maybe Embiid’s injury status wouldn’t be such a big story. Right now they are the 11th seed in the East, with a terrible record of 15-27. Being this bad with players like Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George is not what the Sixers were expecting.
All three of the Sixers stars have missed chunks of time this season. The Sixers have been struggling to recover from their slow start. A few days ago, it was reported that Embiid is planning to miss at least another seven to 10 days with swelling in his knee. Embiid hasn’t suited up since early January, and the current health status of Embiid doesn’t imply he will be back soon.
Are Embiid’s Knees Finished?
Recently on their podcast, NBA reporters Chris Vernon and David Jacoby discussed Embiid’s long injury history. They wondered whether Embiid’s knees were simply hurt beyond repair. Embiid isn’t currently dealing with any specific injury to his knees, at least not one that is known. It seems that the swelling they have after playing is causing him enough discomfort to miss time. Vernon spoke about watching Chandler Parsons in Memphis and his knee issues. Once Parsons’ knees got to a certain level of deterioration, he couldn’t play at all without dealing with swelling.
One thing that can’t be good for Embiid’s health status on a night-to-night basis is the fact that Embiid has rarely seemed to be in shape. The Sixers have had issues with Embiid’s weight since before he ever played a game for them. It is worth wondering whether the extra weight is contributing to his injury woes.
Regardless of whether it is the lack of communication, unavailability, or refusal to take his weight seriously, it is no wonder the organization is starting to get frustrated with Embiid. What they do moving forward with him will be something that the entire NBA keeps an eye on.
The post Former MVP Causing Internal Frustrations Within His Organization appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.