Recent off his Olympic gold medal with Staff USA, Joel Embiid got here again to make waves Philadelphia 76ers“Media day.
Embiid confronted challenges in Paris, together with scrutiny of his efficiency and a hostile public.
Reflecting on his Olympic expertise in France, Embiid commented: “I really thought it was smoother. Properly, I assumed there was loads of speak about flops within the NBA, however I really thought there have been extra flops. However it primarily occurs by the guards.”
Embiide, additionally criticized the referees of the occasion, saying: “What I (felt) troublesome was that I felt just like the referees, I felt like there was one thing in opposition to us Individuals right here. “
Joel Embiid focuses on well being for upcoming season
For years, Embiid’s typical response to questions on his well being was his willingness to play in virtually any scenario. Nevertheless, after going through extra challenges within the playoffs, the Sixers’ 30-year-old star middle now seems to have new prospects.
“I believe I misplaced about 25, 30 (kilos this offseason). I nonetheless have a solution to go. I nonetheless need to lose extra, nevertheless it’s a course of. Embiid spoke about his conditioning on Mondaysignaling a change in his method.
For all of the accolades Embiid has earned throughout his time with the 76ers – an MVP award, seven All-Star choices and 5 All-NBA groups – two issues have remained out of attain: a deep playoff run and Embiid remaining in good well being all through the playoffs. .
“As quickly as we misplaced final yr, I simply texted [76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey] and I used to be like, ‘We have now to do no matter it takes to ensure I am wholesome within the playoffs,'” the 76ers celebrity continued.
“This yr, there’s no agenda – All-Star, All-NBA, there’s none of that. I am doing no matter it takes to ensure I get to that time and I am able to go. Virtually yearly of my profession I have been injured within the playoffs. I believe that is the purpose. It’s about doing no matter it takes to get there,” Embiid mentioned.
Enjoying by damage throughout the playoffs for Philadelphia
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Final season, Embiid was on tempo to grow to be the second participant in NBA historical past, alongside Wilt Chamberlain, to attain extra factors than minutes performed. Sadly, a knee damage minimize him to 39 video games and he wasn’t absolutely wholesome within the first spherical in opposition to the New York Knicks, which the Sixers misplaced in six video games.
“Bodily, I’m high-quality. I am not the place I need to be, and I do know I’ve their help they usually all need the identical factor. Till I attain the purpose the place they really feel I am able to go, I am positive they’re going to maintain me again. Like I mentioned, the main target is on doing no matter it takes to get to that time and be wholesome. I believe with the blokes we now have and what I can convey to the desk, we now have a extremely good probability,” mentioned a leaner, meaner Embiid.
Embiid returned final season after struggling a lateral meniscus damage in his left knee, enjoying in 5 of the Sixers’ last seven regular-season video games. Nevertheless, he was not at his greatest bodily throughout the playoffs, coping with a number of damage points and affected by Bell’s palsy, which led to migraines and muscle weak spot on the left facet of his face.
Regardless of these challenges, he scored 50 factors within the Sixers’ Sport 3 win over the Knicks and averaged 33.0 factors, 10.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.5 blocks all through. of the crew’s six-game first-round loss.
Joel Embiid’s contract with the Sixers runs by the 2028-29 season and he has said his intention to remain in Philadelphia for his whole profession. As he begins his first full season at age 30, he will probably be supported by two All-Star teammates, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George.
