Since selecting Joel Embiid with the third overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Cameroonian center has played 492 games with the Philadelphia 76ers, playoffs included. In that time, he’s missed two full seasons after undergoing foot surgery. He’s never played more than 68 games in any season. Though he usually toughs it out, he’s often hobbled in the playoffs, when the team needs him most.
So, as the 30-year-old prepares to enter what’s just his ninth season, he’s prioritizing his physical health.
After rushing back from a knee injury to be ready for the 2024 NBA Playoffs and then playing for Team USA in the Paris Olympics, he’s sitting out the preseason. He’s shed over 20 pounds, which should reduce the strain on his lower extremities. He’s even cutting back-to-back games out of his diet, perhaps for good.
Sixers’ Joel Embiid Makes Stunning Admission; E Tu Paul George?
“If I had to guess, I would probably never play back-to-backs the rest of my career,” Embiid says, per ESPN reporter Tim Bontemps.
“We’re going to be smart about it,” Sixers president Daryl Morey adds. “Part of being smart about it is having both Paul (George) and Joel (Embiid) probably not play many back to backs, if any.”
E tu, Paul George?
Can The Supporting Cast Step Up?
Bomtempts cites the success the Toronto Raptors had with Kawhi Leonard only playing one leg of back-to-backs on their way to winning a championship. At the time, the Raptors were coached by Nick Nurse, who is now the Sixers head coach. The purported parallels are clear, though Nurse cautions that the East is deeper and more talented than they were then.
With that being said, due to Embiid and George’s age and injury history, it’s a plan that could pay dividends. It doesn’t matter how exceptional Embiid or George are in the regular season if they aren’t healthy during the postseason. Of course, their win-loss record and home court advantage could be at risk. Nonetheless, the Sixers have to be willing to concede something to ensure their stars are healthy.
If Philadelphia’s depth is plays up to their potential, they may even still be a tough team to beat without their two stars. It won’t be all on them. Nonetheless, if players like Andre Drummond and Kelly Oubre Jr. step up and help Tyrese Maxey, they won’t be an easy out.
Andre Drummond
Drummond’s days as a franchise star are behind him. However, he won’t hesitate to remind people that he was once the face of an entire organization. A double-double machine who moves relatively well for his size, he’ll likely get the start when Embiid is out. Last season, Drummond posted 14.1 points, 17.9 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game when he was in the first unit.
Kelly Oubre Jr.
Oubre wasn’t able to capitalize on a breakout performance with the Phoenix Suns in 2019-20. Yet, he’s only a season removed from averaging a career-high 20.3 points per game with the Charlotte Hornets. That being said, when George is out, Oubre is likely to be promoted to the first unit. The former first-round pick started in 52 of his 68 games with the Sixers last season.
