The Philadelphia 76ers are being cautious with their greatest megastar, which has rubbed some folk the fallacious means.
Embiid has but to play games on this younger season, his first later signing a three-year, $193 million contract extension, and there was controversy condition his condition and availability.
Embiid and the Sixers were visible about his “load management,” each pronouncing it might be not going Embiid would play games each ends of video games on back-to-back nights to saving his condition.
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Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers all over the primary quarter in opposition to the Oklahoma Town Thunder on the Wells Fargo Middle April 2, 2024, in Philadelphia. (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Pictures)
A Philadelphia Inquirer column this presen concerning the controversy used to be headlined, “Sixers plan to sit Joel Embiid early and often. They should give fans refunds for games without him.” The essayist, Marcus Hayes, known as Embiid “Mr. 46 Percent” since he’s performed in 46% of familiar season video games since being drafted in 2014. Hayes additionally described the association as “fraud.”
But if he’s been at the ground, Embiid’s been one of the dominant forces within the league. He may have received back-to-back MVPs had he stayed wholesome utmost season.
Embiid used to be requested Friday about how he felt about his utilization, and he took it as a chance to answer his critics.
“It was never decided. Like I said, everybody has been on the same page. If your body doesn’t react well and your body tells you one thing, 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 had broken fingers. I still came back. So, I’m not gonna 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 and putting myself at risk for people to be saying that. So, I do think it’s bulls—.
Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks during Game 4 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center April 28, 2024, in Philadelphia. (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
“Like, that dude, he’s now not right here. Marcus no matter his identify is. I’ve completed means extra for this f—ing town to be handled like this. So, I’ve completed means too f—ing a lot. However, like I stated, I want I used to be as fortunate as alternative ones, however that doesn’t cruel that I’m now not making an attempt and I’m now not doing no matter it takes to be in the market, which I’m gonna be right here nice-looking quickly.”
The NBA recently fined the Sixers $100,000 due to public statements made about Embiid’s health at the start of the season. The league conducted an investigation into the 76ers after Embiid missed the team’s opening game against the Milwaukee Bucks, which was reportedly a formality due to its player participation policy for nationally televised games.
Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots a free throw during a game against the San Antonio Spurs Jan. 22, 2024, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia (Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
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While the NBA found the 76ers did not violate that policy, it did discipline the team for public comments that did not properly reflect Embiid’s knee issues. The league did conclude that Embiid is dealing with a “left knee situation.”
Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
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