The Sixer Sense
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Joel Embiid restriction reaction proves leadership

By Bret Stuter

CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: Ben Simmons #25, Joel Embiid #21 and Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers pose for the camera during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey.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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: Ben Simmons #25, Joel Embiid #21 and Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers pose for the camera during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey.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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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There are many types of leaders in society. Some lead from a pulpit, some lead in the board room, some lead by delegation. But the true leader leads by example. This is Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid.

The complicated task of discussing minutes restrictions and pulling center Joel Embiid out of games falls to Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown.  But don’t look for the center from Cameroon to smile at the thought of limiting his time on the basketball court. He is and always will be one of the most competitive players on the basketball court.

So meting out his minutes is somewhat akin to water torture. And Joel Embiid doesn’t like it.  News of the restrictions occurred on October 16, 2017.  Embiid publicly shared his opinion openly on October 17, 2017.  It’s safe to say that he is displeased.

Medical science backs the limits

Now before we argue the right or wrong of this point, let’s set some important facts out there. There IS scientific medical evidence that the more fatigue a player accumulates, the more susceptible they are to soft tissue injury.

Long term view. It’s what got the Philadelphia 76ers this far to begin with. Now, that trust in taking a long term view is to support the key player of this team as he emerges from last season’s knee injury. Perhaps the lingering pain of a hurry back to the lineup handling of center Jahlil Okafor from last season forced the team to rethink the protocol of knee injuries.

Related Story: Joel Embiid to play under minutes restriction

Limits to minutes, still impact appearances.

Limits to minutes is a far better position than no minutes. The team witnessed how even a sparsely used sprinkling of Joel Embiid in the lineup has dramatic results to the positive.  Even more than that, his presence reinforces his role as on-court leader of the team.

As long as Embiid steps onto the court, each player on the roster seems to elevate their game.

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But he is not willing to acquiesce to the medical staff. He wants to be on the court, playing alongside his teammates, leading the team to victory.  I would expect the same reaction from LeBron James, or Stephen Curry.

So I’m very good to see that spirit from Joel Embiid, particularly this early in the season. He is not only the true leader of the team. He acts like it too.