Lately, the Philadelphia 76ersâ center, Joel Embiid, has been dealing with numerous setbacks. He was listed as probable going into the February 26 matchup against the Miami Heat due to a knee and shin concern.
As expected, Embiid played in his second game in a row. There was a mid-game scare, though. The veteran center left the court and went back to the locker room to get his ribs checked out. Eventually, Embiid was back on the court, continuing his night.
After the game, 76ers rookie VJ Egdecombe made a statement on the big man.
VJ Edgecombe Sounds Off On Joel Embiid Critics
GettyPhiladelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid recently gained support from his rookie teammate, VJ Edgecombe.
Following the Sixersâ 124-117 win over the Heat, Edgecombe acknowledged what he believes is a popular media narrative suggesting Embiid tends to sit out without a severe enough injury.
âThe media tries to make it seem like he doesnât want to play basketball,â Edgecombe told reporters on Thursday.
âI mean, come on. Heâs out there in pain, and he made a big shot at the end of the game. He could barely raise his right hand. That just shows his character, too; he cares about winning.â
Embiid wrapped up the game with 26 minutes played. The head coach, Nick Nurse, confirmed that there was a restriction on Embiid for his second game back from a stretch of absences.
The star center shot 8-20 from the field, and hit on all but one of his nine free throws. With 26 points and 11 rebounds, Embiid secured a double-double. He also had four assists and one steal.
âItâs Joel Embiid, bro. Thatâs what weâre talking about right now,â Edgecombe added. âI know they just try to paint this bad picture about him, but itâs not true, man. Iâm going to say it here. Itâs not true. He wants to play. He wants to do whatâs best for the team and whatâs best for him.â
Joel Embiid Is Sticking To The Plan
GettyJoel Embiid is a name to keep an eye on as he could pop up on the Sixers’ injury report this weekend.
He might want to play every game, but the Sixers understood that wasnât going to be the reality for Embiid in 2025-2026.
Last year, Embiid decided to undergo a second knee surgery in under two years. Considering his injury history, dating back to his pre-draft process before he made the transition from Kansas to Philadelphia, Embiid has had to keep his health in check.
That idea is more critical than ever. At 31, Embiid has an extensive list of injuries. While heâs been more than willing to play through his setbacks in key moments over the years, the Sixers need to ensure Embiid is at his best for a possible upcoming playoff run. The value he carries is too high to risk losing him in postseason play.
While a recent string of Embiid absences contributed to the Sixers hitting a rough patch, Edgecombe will tell the public that it wasnât a matter of Embiid resting just to do it. As long as heâs cleared, the star center is willing to play.
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