THE Philadelphia 76ers have been without Joel Embiid for the last 21 games. The recently reigning MVP Enduring a surgical procedure for a torn meniscus.
However, the veteran big gave the Sixers a significant boost, as he returned to practice with the team on Sunday. He was participating in non-contact exercises while continuing to get back into full physical shape.
Embiid’s participation in non-contact exercises is the first step in a long road to recovery. Yes, it’s encouraging that the big man is back in the team facility. However, his return to training should not be confused with an imminent return to the field.
Bringing Embiid back into the rotation would be the worst-case scenario. NBA careers are short and risking a player’s long-term health for the chance to compete for a championship probably wouldn’t be a good idea.
Unless Embiid is at 75% or better, it makes no sense to put him on the field, especially during the playoffs, where games are played with increased physicality.
This season, head coach Nick Nurse has done a fantastic job getting his team moving. far from the heliocentric mark basketball that we have become accustomed to. He encouraged ball movement and teamwork. This change in approach paid off after Embiid’s absence.
Nurse should take advantage of this overall growth on his team and wait until next season to reinstate Embiid.
Unfortunately, this decision could be out of the hands of the nurse. The best thing the Sixers can do is allow Embiid to recover at his own pace, without expectations.
The pressure of being ready for the playoffs could force Embiid to overexert himself.
Right now, Embiid’s return to training is nothing more than a feel-good story. On the pitch, nothing will change, and this could be the case for the rest of the current season.
