Philadelphia 76ers Role For Dr. Martin Is Not What You Think

Dec 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and forward Nerlens Noel (M) and forward Ben Simmons (R) during a timeout in the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center. The Toronto Raptors won 123.114. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and forward Nerlens Noel (M) and forward Ben Simmons (R) during a timeout in the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center. The Toronto Raptors won 123.114. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Trust The Medical Process

Let’s define the role of Doctor Martin. The Philadelphia 76ers have been dealing with a wide host of player injuries. But nearly all were present prior to encountering Martin. We will save Ben Simmons’ foot and Joel Embiid’s knee for the next slide.

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When veteran Jerryd Bayless or Nerlens Noel have recurring injuries, Martin does not fix the player well enough to play. He fixes the player well enough to enjoy a long NBA career.  That difference seems to be ignored by a fan base that wants top players on the basketball court as quickly as possible.

We can pay a little now, or pay a huge amount later.

On one hand, athletes want to compete. Joel Embiid wants to play. Ben Simmons wants to play. On the other hand, keep in mind medical treatment historically asked a player “can you play?”. Yes was a certainty, and a player would grind out on a bad wheel until the player’s career ended prematurely.

Fan mentality is rooted in that old-school “play when you’re hurt” tough mindedness.  Sure, it makes sense in an NBA Championship to put it all out there on the basketball court. But when the team has won more games by the All-Star break without two starters and the team is in better position to land a top NBA Draft pick than make a playoff appearance?

Why?  Just why?

As a matter of fact, it makes zero sense. No reward. Huge risk.  In conclusion, Avoid.