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

By 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 – DECEMBER 14: Joel Embiid #21 and Jahlil Okafor #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers react in the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center on December 14, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Raptors defeated the 76ers 123-114. 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 – DECEMBER 14: Joel Embiid #21 and Jahlil Okafor #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers react in the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center on December 14, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Raptors defeated the 76ers 123-114. 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 5 – The rope-a-dope tank

This could be construed as a conspiracy theory but let’s at least consider the possibility that Embiid has not been nearly as injured as reported. We all remember the 10-5 January where the team got dangerously close to playoff contention. From Embiid’s injury on the team played a very clear tank game by progressively shutting down its players for the year.

Many sports doctors would tell you that NBA big men often play through partially torn meniscus injuries. The meniscus does serve to protect the knee from grinding and playing on it can shorten a players career, but if he can play through pain its not a debilitating injury.

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It is quite possibly that Bryan Colangelo saw the team surging but realized he lacked the missing perimeter player to get to true contention. On Feb. 1st, its quite possible he decided to fold his hand and let Ben Simmons, Embiid and later Robert Convington sit for the remainder of the season.

As it turns out, because of the Sacramento pick swap, this wasn’t necessary to help the tank and acquire Markelle Fultz. On Feb. 1st, however, it looked like the prudent course of action.

Now I don’t exactly know how this would explain the team not declaring Embiid 100 percent but perhaps they want to legitimize their decisions regarding his health by allowing doctors to be as cautious as possible.