The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers: 5 theories on Joel Embiid’s health

Jason Blevins|
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 11: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts at the end of the game against the New York Knicks at the Wells Fargo Center on January 11, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 11: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts at the end of the game against the New York Knicks at the Wells Fargo Center on January 11, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 30: Joel Embiid #21 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on prior to the game against the Sacramento Kings at the Wells Fargo Center on January 30, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 30: Joel Embiid #21 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on prior to the game against the Sacramento Kings at the Wells Fargo Center on January 30, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Possible Explanation 3 — Nothing is wrong, they just don’t trust the process

Maybe everything is fine but like all of us, Brett Brown and Bryan Colangelo cannot bring themselves to risk a jinx by declaring him good to go. Sports are notoriously superstitious and these guys career success is so tied to a healthy Joel Embiid they are simply afraid to claim full health.

Just as we were all dead when it was reported that his Navicular bone had separated again and would require a second surgery, perhaps Brown and Colangelo would be so devastated that they simply cannot bring themselves to publicly give a thumbs up.

Possible Explanation 4 — Something is still wrong

This is depressing to even consider, but perhaps Joel is still experiencing minor swelling after workouts over multiple days. Six months after surgery, this would be disheartening because it essentially means that his knees will continue to be an issue and likely slow him down and/or shorten his career.

It would explain why the team wants to limit his workload and maximize the miles left in his body. It doesnt necessarily mean extended time missed, but it means he will likely continue to not play back to backs, and very likely play less than the 60 or so games I think he would need to play for the Philadelphia 76ers to reasonably compete for a playoff spot this season.