Philadelphia 76ers fans are more hopeful than before about the chances of Joel Embiid suiting up for the team more consistently in the upcoming campaign. That is definitely the tone that can be gleaned from how the majority of the fanbase has reacted over the previous week or so, citing how great the superstar center has looked physically during team workouts and practices.
In addition, Embiid seemed much more optimistic than he was last year when asked about his current status during the team’s recently concluded Media Day session. While the team still has not given him a definite timeline as to when he can get back to action in the hardwood, multiple hints were dropped about him appearing much earlier than he did in the previous campaign.
All in all, things are looking up for Embiid. Last season, he appeared in merely 19 outings, never really being close to looking like himself. Amidst his seemingly ceaseless bouts with the injury bag, a good number of people — both those around league circles and not — have become pessimistic about his staying power in the league.
Sure, he appears to be in much better condition now, but if the lone basis for that is ocmparative, and the benchmark is what transpired last year, then that is a pretty low bar to clear.
Knicks reporter reminds everyone about the harsh truth on Joel Embiid
To that effect, a certain Knicks podcaster basically reminded everyone to hold their horses when it comes to expecting Embiid to be in uniform for the most part. In an exchange during a recent episode of the Game Theory Podcast with The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie, Andrew Claudio pointed out that there exists no other video clip showing that Embiid can still move properly since the 2024 NBA playoffs.
Now, that is a bit of an exaggeration, but he is perhaps referring to Embiid not being healthy enough to play for long durations since the end of the 2023-24 campaign. Of course, that is when the All-Star returned from a major midseason injury to steer the wheel for the 76ers, although they did fall short.
However, he does point out something factual, at least by implication. Embiid has not looked like the MVP-caliber player that he is since then. Beginning from his unceremonious stint in the 2024 Summer Olympics, the 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player has struggled even being on the floor.
Until debunked by empirical evidence, that will remain to be the case with Embiid. Hopefully, he can manage to flip the narrative engulfing him right now en route to the 76ers finishing the season with flying colors and with him still standing.