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Joel Embiid is an NBA player from whom many expected a different career trajectory, but the 30-year-old has faced injuries that have disrupted everything he has built. He has often been compared to many players in the league, including Nikola Jokić, who is widely regarded as the best player in the NBA right now. However, Embiid's injuries have greatly hindered his progress and potential.
At 213 centimeters and 127 kilograms, Embiid's style; playing more like a guard; places excessive strain on his joints and knees. He has a lengthy injury history, and again, he can't help his team.
It’s clear how disappointed this NBA center is with the outcomes he has faced and the recurring issues in his career. However, he understands that there’s no other option but to accept things as they are, even though it can be difficult.
On January 30, he injured the meniscus in his left knee after a collision with Jonathan Kuminga, leading to surgery. Although he played in the playoffs, he struggled on the court and continued to push himself, even playing for Team USA in the Paris Olympics, where he won gold.
Recently, Embiid stated he lost about 12 kilograms this summer to ease pressure on his knees, yet he hasn’t changed his style. As a result, he has missed games against Minnesota and Boston and will sit out preseason matches against Atlanta, Brooklyn, and Orlando, entering the regular season unprepared.
The team, however, assures fans that he’s progressing well and following a plan designed for his health ahead of the 2024/25 season.
This year is crucial for Philadelphia, having high expectations. After mixed results with Ben Simmons and James Harden, Embiid will team up with Paul George, while Tyrese Maxey could become an All-Star. The roster also features solid players like Kelly Oubre, Eric Gordon, and Kyle Lowry.
For the 76ers to make a leap, they need a healthy Joel Embiid.
The 30-year-old emphasized in a media interview that he is slowly getting back on the path to victory. His intention is to gradually regain his form, do great things, and help his team achieve their goals not only this season but also in the seasons to come.
“I think I’m slowly building back up,” Embiid said.
“I think that’s the main thing, slowing building back up and go from here.”
The talented NBA player is determined to do everything possible to get back on the path to victory. Embiid feels frustrated and disappointed that he faces the same challenges year after year, particularly with injuries. His goal is to return to form and avoid injuries that could create huge problems in the future. It would be incredibly frustrating for him to come back only to face injuries again. However, the 30-year-old doesn’t want to be negative; he believes that he can truly return to the NBA courts.
"It's whatever it takes to make sure that I get to that point and I'm ready to go because ... basically every single year in my career, I've been hurt in the playoffs," Embiid said.
"So that's the goal, and it's all about doing whatever it takes to get there."
John Clark on Joel Embiid's injury
NBC Sports Philadelphia's John Clark stated through the media that Embiid is making great progress and that they want to provide support during these challenging times. What is certain is that he will not play in this week's preseason games, but Clark confirmed that more information will be available in the coming weeks. It will be interesting to see which direction Embiid's career takes from here.
"Sixers say as part of his left knee management, Joel Embiid was assessed by doctors on Thursday," Clark posted, as quoted by Sporting News.
"Embiid is progressing well and will continue to take part in an individual treatment plan designed to best support his health and wellness for the 2024-25 season. He will not play in this week’s preseason games. Further updates will be provided as appropriate."
For those who don’t know, this 2.13 m tall NBA player has achieved many successes in his career, with the most notable being the NBA MVP award in 2023. Additionally, he has been a 7-time NBA All-Star from 2018 to 2024. Embiid also won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, achieving great success with the U.S. team.
He has been a part of the Philadelphia 76ers since 2014 and remains the cornerstone of the team, which has serious ambitions for the future. This NBA center hopes that injuries will not define his career, believing that in the last years of his playing days, he can write history, leave a significant mark, and set new records.
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