Joel Embiid has yet to step on the court for the 76ers this season due to “left knee injury management.”
Embiid stepped up Friday and discussed what that meant amid reports he was playing 5-on-5 and close to returning. His quote, via Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia.
“I had surgery in February or whenever that was, and I came back early to fight for the team and play. [in the playoffs]try to give us a chance,” Embiid said. “Unfortunately, we lost [to the Knicks]. And then I had time to recover. I’m really still managing since the last surgery.
“Just managing and trying to figure out the best approach, but I’m feeling pretty good. I’ve started doing some live stuff and it’s feeling pretty good, so I should be back pretty soon.”
Embiid went further, calling the narrative from some in Philly that he doesn’t want to play “b******,” via @PHLY_sports’ Kyle Nuebeck.
“When I see people saying he doesn’t want to play, I’ve done way too much for this city, risking myself for people to say that. I do think it’s bullshit. Like that guy, he’s not here, Marcus , I did way too much for this f****** town to be treated like this.”
Embiid has played through many injuries in the past, including during recent playoffs, it is
easy to see why an insinuation of him wanting to sit down would not sit well with him. That said, the wording “left knee injury management” was enough for the NBA to investigate whether Embiid was healthy enough to play but was being held for load management — they determined the knee issue was legitimate (then fined the 76ers $100,000 for their comments about Embiid and keeping him healthy for the playoffs.).
The 76ers need him and fellow injured star Paul George (knee bone bruise) back soon just to be too late in the East (both are still listed as out for Saturday night against Ja Morant and the Grizzlies). After Memphis, Philadelphia goes on the road for a tough three against Phoenix then both Los Angeles teams, even with their stars back it could take a while to turn this ship around.
