Not only should Joel Embiid’s social media activity be concerning, but this whole season should have the Philadelphia 76ers worried about their star.
The drama doesn’t seem to stop for the Philadelphia 76ers this season. The roster’s configuration doesn’t fit, the team’s road record is terrible and, as a whole, the team’s falling short of expectations. It doesn’t help when it’s becoming abundantly clear that the club’s franchise center Joel Embiid isn’t in a good place both mentally and physically.
Physical State
In terms of play, Embiid is performing at the MVP level that he played at last season. Thus far this year, he’s averaging 22.8 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, while shooting 46.6 percent from the floor (tied for a career low) and 33.3 percent from downtown.
Certainly he’s still playing at an All-Star level, thus him getting voted into the game, but he’s not where he’s shown he can be. The Sixers need him to be at that level if they want a legit shot at winning a NBA championship this year.
Part of the reason his numbers are down is due to injury issues and trying to preserve himself for the playoffs. Also, trying to mesh with both Ben Simmons and Al Horford. He’s even indicated that he’s trying to find his fit in the offense.
It doesn’t help that he’s currently dealing with a hand issue that is clearly affecting his play. He’s also out of shape based on the amount of hustle that he’s showing out on the court. Despite all the physical struggles he’s dealing with, his mental state may even be worse.