Joel Embiid is set to make his long-awaited return to the Philadelphia 76ers this week, bringing a glimmer of hope to a team that has struggled mightily without him. The two-time scoring champion is expected to start against the New York Knicks as the teams advance to the round-robin round of the NBA Cup, marking his first appearance of the season after a series of setbacks.
A turbulent season so far
Embiid’s journey has been tumultuous — from winning Olympic gold to signing a contract extension to dealing with a knee injury and a three-game suspension for an altercation with a member of the media. The 76ers currently sit at a disappointing 2-7, one of the worst records in the NBA, underscoring their reliance on Embiid’s elite play.
“Without the big man, we’re not where we want to be,” first-year forward Paul George said. His return is crucial not only for scoring but for the morale and overall effectiveness of the team. “A talented person like him makes everyone’s job easier,” he added.
Team challenges and injuries
The 76ers’ struggles extend beyond Embiid. George, a key offseason acquisition, has been limited to just four games this season due to his knee issues. Meanwhile, Tyrese Maxey, last season’s most improved player, is out with a hamstring injury. The team’s depth is put to the test, with backup centers like Andre Drummond and Guerschon Yabusele unable to replicate Embiid’s production.
George acknowledged the constant adjustments needed within the team: “We’re still trying to figure things out. I’m working on getting my legs under control and competing at a high level,” he noted.
Management of Embiid’s minutes
The 76ers have been transparent about their approach to managing Embiid’s playing time this season to ensure his health for the postseason. He has already declared that he will not participate in consecutive games, which means he will miss the next game against Cleveland. Ticket prices for that game have plummeted, reflecting fans’ frustrations and waning confidence in the team’s championship prospects under Embiid.
Controversies off the pitch
Embiid’s season has also been marred by controversy, particularly his recent spat with a Philadelphia Inquirer columnist that touched on personal issues, including the loss of his brother. This incident added to the scrutiny of his fitness and professionalism, especially after his Olympic commitments.
Additionally, the NBA fined the 76ers $100,000 for inconsistent public statements regarding Embiid’s health, highlighting the challenges the team faces in managing player narratives alongside league expectations.
Looking ahead
Despite the current turmoil, there is a silver lining. The Eastern Conference is competitive, and with only a few teams maintaining winning records, a strong performance from Embiid could quickly put the 76ers back in playoff contention. Coach Doc Rivers remains optimistic about Embiid’s impact, highlighting his unique skill set and athleticism for a big man.
“Joel did nothing wrong,” Rivers said, underscoring the team’s commitment to using data and science to guide decisions regarding Embiid’s health.
As Embiid prepares to make his return, the 76ers desperately need him to dig out of their early-season hole. With the right trajectory, they could still be a formidable force in the playoffs if they can meet the challenges ahead.