CAMDEN, NJ — After a Friday practice session, Philadelphia 76ers stars Joel Embiid and Paul George were made available to the media for the first time since the Sixers’ preseason matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves—Embiid had not addressed the media since training camp.
Embiid had much to discuss, from his progress to the exact details of his knee condition and more, including a passionate statement about his very vocal critics, including those in the media.
Embiid addresses the media at long last
Regarding his continued rehab, Embiid discussed the reason for the delay and the process behind his “individual treatment plan,” as well as avoiding past mistakes regarding returning from injury.
“If your body doesn’t react well, and your body tells you one thing, I mean, I’ve done it,” Embiid said. “From what I can tell you, I’ve broken my face twice. I came back early with the risk of losing my vision. I’ve had how broken fingers, [and] I still came back. So I’m not going to sit here and be like when I see people saying, ‘he doesn’t want to play.’ I’ve been [through] way too much. I’ve done way too much for this city—putting myself at risk—for people to be saying that.”
Historically, Embiid has returned from injury without fully healing. The exact risk of coming back in those situations will only ever be known between the player, the team, and any medical personnel involved. What can be said is that he has clearly and noticeably returned from injury multiple times without being fully healthy, and that cannot be denied.
Some could, in hindsight, debate the wisdom behind the decision to do so, but there is a factor of willing self-sacrifice by Embiid that, wise or unwise, that debate ignores.
Speaking plainly
Embiid would continue on this point as the target of his ire slowly became more and more specified, and he became more and more impassioned in the process. Regarding one particularly vocal journalist, the Sixers’ star spoke very plainly about his dissatisfaction.
“So I do think it’s bullsh–,” Embiid said. “Like that, dude, he’s not here, Marcus, whatever his name is; I’ve done way too much for this f–king city to be treated like this. Done way too f–king much. But, like I said, I wish I was as lucky as other ones, but that doesn’t mean that I’m not trying, and I’m not doing whatever it takes to be out there, which I’m going to be here pretty soon.”
The article Embiid referred to was an opinion piece that made several strong statements against the Sixers’ star. From claiming that he disrespects the Sixers, the game of basketball, the former greats who played, and himself to claiming that he showed up this season out of shape—having attended media day and every practice and game since, I can confirm that part, at least, is not accurate.
Among other points that Embiid surely disagreed with, the article opened by discussing the former MVP’s desire to be great to leave a legacy for his son—taking the time to point out the tragedy and joyous memory behind his namesake—and how, in the author’s opinion, he has only failed in that endeavor to this point.
The dialog between athletes and journalists should never be maliciously personal from either side. Following this article, it’s clear that Embiid felt personally slighted, and having the opportunity to speak on it, did not let the opportunity pass him by.
When will Embiid return, and how will he look?
Hopefully, Embiid continues to use this as fodder; it certainly seems he has so far. As difficult as it is for the Sixers to ride into the season without their primary star and for all the righteous frustration fans have felt as they have often been left in the dark in this matter, the idea that fully healing before his return is in the best interest of the team and Embiid is not farfetched. Still, nothing can be said definitively until he returns to the court.
Joel Embiid will not make his season debut tomorrow against the Memphis Grizzlies, as he announced himself at the onset of his media availability. However, there remains a chance that he will join the team on the road as they head west for a three-game trip and could make his debut at any point during.
According to the most recent word from Embiid, the Sixers, and outside reports, he is close to a return, and as far as how he will look, a source close to the team confirmed to PSN that Embiid had lost 30 pounds as of his official weigh-in. At the team’s media day, Embiid claimed to have lost 25-30 pounds.
Some were skeptical of the exact amount of weight loss, despite him looking slimmer at the time, but judging from how he’s looked post-practice over the past month, it seems possible, even reasonable, that he may have since exceeded that number.
All that’s left is to see him perform at this new weight on the court.
