The 2020-2021 NBA season has been a tumultuous one for Joel Embiid and his Philadelphia 76ers. Despite high expectations and a strong start to the season, Embiid was unable to stay healthy and only played in 19 games. The Sixers recently announced that the star center will undergo another knee surgery this summer, leaving fans and analysts wondering what the future holds for the former MVP.
Speaking about Embiid’s injury struggles, Sixers head coach Doc Rivers had an honest admission. “It’s been tough for Joel this season,” Rivers said. “He’s been battling through injuries and it’s been a real challenge for him to stay on the court. But I have no doubt that he will come back stronger next year.”
Embiid’s injury woes have been a recurring theme throughout his career. Since being drafted in 2014, he has missed a total of 234 games due to various injuries. This season, he dealt with a bone bruise in his left knee, which caused him to miss significant time and affected his performance when he did play.
Despite these setbacks, Embiid has continued to prove himself as one of the top players in the league. In the 19 games he did play this season, he averaged 28.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. He was also named an All-Star for the fourth consecutive year.
However, it’s clear that Embiid’s injuries have taken a toll on his body and his game. He has been unable to consistently perform at the level he is capable of, and it has been frustrating for both him and the team. But with this upcoming surgery, there is hope that he will finally be able to fully heal and come back stronger than ever.
The Sixers have not specified the exact nature of Embiid’s upcoming surgery, but it is expected to address the lingering issues in his left knee. This will give him the opportunity to fully recover and come back in top form for the next season.
Rivers also expressed his confidence in Embiid’s ability to bounce back. “Joel is a fighter. He has shown time and time again that he can overcome adversity and come back even stronger. I have no doubt that he will do the same this time.”
Embiid’s determination and work ethic have been evident throughout his career. Despite the injuries, he has continued to work hard and improve his game. This season, he added a new dimension to his game by becoming a more efficient three-point shooter, averaging a career-high 37.7% from beyond the arc.
With this surgery, Embiid will have the opportunity to fully heal and come back with a renewed focus on his health and his game. The Sixers will also have the chance to build a stronger team around him, with the hope of making a deep playoff run next season.
In the meantime, Embiid’s absence will be felt by the Sixers. He is a dominant force on both ends of the court and his presence will be sorely missed. But this is also an opportunity for other players to step up and fill the void left by his absence.
The Sixers have a talented roster, with players like Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris, and Seth Curry who are capable of stepping up and leading the team in Embiid’s absence. This will also give them the chance to develop their chemistry and build a stronger team for when Embiid returns.
In conclusion, while this season may have been a disaster for Joel Embiid and the Sixers, there is hope for a brighter future. With his upcoming surgery and the team’s determination to improve, there is no doubt that Embiid will come back stronger and lead the Sixers to success. As Doc Rivers said, “This is just a bump in the road for Joel. He will come back and show everyone why he is one of the best players in the league.”
