Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid recently opened up about how injuries have prevented him from reaching the pinnacle of basketball greatness. In an interview with The New York Times, Embiid reflected on his career and expressed his belief that, if not for his frequent injuries, he could have entered the conversation for the greatest player of all time (G.O.A.T.).
“I think so. I think I’m that talented. Obviously you need to win championships, and to win championships you need other guys. You can’t do it by yourself. I want to win so bad.”
“But if you don’t, you just got to understand that as long as you care about the right stuff, if it doesn’t happen, maybe it wasn’t meant to happen. If you think about it, the thing that stopped me all these years is just freak injuries.”
“Every single playoffs, regular season, people falling on my knee or breaking my face — twice. It’s always freak injuries at the wrong time.” (10:30)
Embiid’s career has been marred by injuries since he entered the NBA in 2014. He missed his first two seasons entirely due to a foot injury and has yet to play more than 70 games in a single season. Despite these setbacks, Embiid’s talent is undeniable. He has consistently shown his skills on the court, but health issues have often derailed his progress.
Critics were quick to point out the lack of postseason success as a flaw in Embiid’s statement. The 76ers have not reached the Eastern Conference Finals during his tenure, raising questions about his ability to lead a team deep into the playoffs. However, Embiid’s individual performance remains stellar.
Last season, despite playing only 39 games, he averaged 34.7 points, 11 rebounds, and 5.6 assists on 52.9% shooting, demonstrating his immense impact when healthy.
At 30 years old, Embiid recognizes that this is his best opportunity to cement his legacy. The upcoming season could be pivotal, as the 76ers have arguably the best-constructed roster of his career, providing him with the support necessary to make a significant playoff run.
Embiid’s injuries have undeniably hindered his pursuit of G.O.A.T. status, but his confidence in his abilities remains unwavering. He continues to strive for excellence, hoping to overcome the setbacks that have plagued his career. As he looks forward to the upcoming season, Embiid is determined to prove that he can lead his team to victory and establish himself among the greats of the game.
Joel Embiid Also Hampered His Case With His Playoff Performances
Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid is undeniably one of the most talented players in the NBA, but his playoff performances have often fallen short of expectations. While Embiid has built an impressive Hall of Fame resume with regular season achievements, his playoff track record leaves much to be desired.
A significant factor contributing to Embiid’s playoff struggles is his injury history. Since entering the NBA in 2014, Embiid has faced numerous injuries that have affected his availability and performance during crucial postseason moments.
These injuries include an orbital fracture in 2018, knee tendinitis in 2019, a torn meniscus in 2021, multiple injuries including an orbital fracture and torn thumb ligament in 2022, and a knee sprain in 2023. These health issues have undeniably hampered Embiid’s ability to lead his team to playoff success.
Another critical aspect of Embiid’s playoff shortcomings is his performance in key games. Despite his regular season dominance, Embiid has often struggled in pivotal playoff matches.
In the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics, Embiid’s scoring average dropped significantly from 33.1 points per game in the regular season to 23.7 points per game in the playoffs. His lackluster performances in Games 6 and 7, where he scored 15 points on 5-18 shooting in the decisive Game 7, highlighted his inability to deliver in crucial moments.
Embiid’s struggles in the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks further illustrate his playoff woes. In Game 6, he shot 9-24 from the floor and committed eight turnovers, and while he scored 31 points in Game 7, he again had eight turnovers. These high-stakes games are where superstars are expected to shine, but Embiid has frequently fallen short.
Additionally, in the 2019 series against the Toronto Raptors, Embiid’s subpar performances in Games 6 and 7, shooting a combined 11-32 from the floor with nine turnovers, further underscore his playoff struggles. These games are critical for a player’s legacy, and Embiid’s inability to elevate his game during these moments has been a significant hindrance.
In summary, while Joel Embiid’s talent and regular season accolades are undeniable, his playoff performances have often been marred by injuries and inconsistent play. To solidify his place among the all-time greats, Embiid will need to overcome these challenges and deliver when it matters most in the postseason.
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