For the first time in a while, Joel Embiid is participating in the Philadelphia 76ers' preseason games. However, despite showing no obvious physical ailments, he has yet to dispel all fears surrounding his previous knee problems. A beautiful passage of play between Embiid and Labaron Philon Jr. ended with the 2023 MVP passing up the chance to slam him an alley-oop, instead attempting a simple layup... and missing.
Embiid might simply be protecting his knee because of the lack of jeopardy in preseason games. Yet, it also suggests there is still clearly a mental barrier preventing him from pushing physical boundaries. Everybody knows it's championship-or-bust in Philadelphia this year, and Embiid is no exception. If he adopts a similar approach during the regular season to stay healthy for the playoffs, the 76ers will struggle to secure the highest possible seed.
76ers need the return of ruthless Embiid
Joel Embiid is a Sixers legend for many reasons. His glowing individual resume will establish him as Philadelphia's hero for the rest of his life. Despite all of the big performances, his carefree attitude and ability to play the villain have truly created a bond with the 76ers' fan base.
His 'lewd' celebrations have become iconic as he tears opponents apart both physically and mentally -- few have found a way to limit his production. However, Embiid is such an unstoppable force in the NBA because of a ruthless streak in and around the basket. Even when easy layups are an option, the 32-year-old tends to power the ball through the hoop with little remorse for anybody around him.
If preseason is anything to go by, his mentality has changed slightly. The way Embiid paused as Philon Jr. lobbed a pass into the air was not just a sad sight, but a concerning one. Many will argue he isn't risking aggravating an injury that has stalled his career, and they are probably correct. Even having this thought process proves he has lingering concerns surrounding his knee, which makes it hard to believe this apprehension won't continue into the regular season.
Embiid can't afford to prioritize the postseason
If the Philadelphia 76ers wish to finally end their trophy drought, Joel Embiid must be healthy during their championship tilt. In the same breath, the Sixers can't afford their star man to coast through regular-season games without reaching his full potential. The Eastern Conference is too treacherous a path to navigate if everybody isn't pulling their weight.
With Ariel Hukporti out for the year with a ruptured Achilles tendon, the 76ers' center depth is a serious problem. The franchise needs Embiid to step up and be available for selection as much as possible during the regular season. His number will be called as much as any of his superstar teammates; he must be at his optimum level to help his team climb the standings.
It would be foolish to expect Embiid to rediscover the form of his 2023 MVP campaign, but the 76ers need the Kansas alum to contribute heavily on both sides of the floor -- even if this means he becomes a playmaking hub.
Regardless of what opinion you hold of Joel Embiid's refusal to dunk in preseason, it's hard to deny that he is yet to repair the trust he has in his knee. And who can blame him? He has battled through hell to be ready for this season. However, a mental block like this won't just disappear when the regular season commences; Embiid's main priority will be staying healthy for the playoffs. Frankly, the 76ers will drop a lot of games this year if their star man isn't back to his ruthless best.
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