While nowhere near close to a novelty, injuries have been at the forefront of the narrative for the Philadelphia 76ers this season. Of course, their poor play across the board cannot just be glossed over by this fact, but to not give at least some nod to this reality would be highly disingenuous.
And just like last season, it is Joel Embiid who has been the most inflicted by the injury bug. No offense to Jared McCain, but the 2023 Most Valuable Player simply faces a much more tedious path to recovery, if that is at all possible at this juncture.
However, the difference between this season and the last is that this time, the 76ers really do not have much to play for anymore. The gap in prowess between them and those teams in the thick of the playoff race is way too wide to shut close, and it also does not help their case that with the regular season winding down, they have only managed to become worse with each passing day.
Nick Nurse’s latest brief on Joel Embiid is sure to infuriate 76ers fans
With Embiid’s situation getting worse with every update, it only makes sense for the coaching staff and the team’s decision-makers to seriously consider just shutting him down for the rest of the season with their playoff chances close to nil.
However, it seems like Nick Nurse and the rest of the 76ers brass are not yet ready to consider this season a lost cause with their approach on Embiid. When asked about his status moving forward, he said that closing the door entirely on him playing this season is not on the cards.
Not at that point at all. Just, again, we are playing and testing and trying to figure it out and go from there.
At this point, for what reason are they prolonging the inevitable? It simply does not make any sense for the 76ers to keep forcing the issue for a puny chance at making the playoffs. This being a clear case of inordinate vainglory, it evades reason to keep Embiid at the risk of aggravating his current situation.
As usual, the Philadelphia 76ers are being short-sighted. The vast majority of people following the team have already waved their respective white flags. The most sensible thing to do is to just wish for kismet in the ping-pong balls with eyes set for next season and Joel Embiid’s recovery.