In a swift and surprising turn of events, Kendrick Perkins, a prominent sports analyst, made a notable change in his opinion about Joel Embiid’s situation in just two days.
“He’s been scared for the last four years. I don’t want to hear anything about swelling in his knee because he played on a back-to-back when Jokic came into town on Philly and made sure he made himself available. Like what’s really going on?” (1:12)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auwE5PSJ070
Two days ago, Perkins publicly criticized Embiid, accusing him of being “scared” and questioning the authenticity of his injury claims. He said that Embiid played a back-to-back to play against Nikola Jokic when he came to Philadelphia. Before Embiid missed the game, Perkins had dared the reigning MVP to face Jokic after missing the previous 3 games in Denver due to various reasons.
Embiid hasn’t played in Denver since 2019!!! Come on now big fella @JoelEmbiid stop ducking that smoke and stand on Business today! Carry the hell on… pic.twitter.com/3dbsgmVby5
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) January 27, 2024
However, on the most recent night, Perkins advocated for the Philadelphia 76ers to shut down Joel Embiid for the rest of the season due to his knee injury, raising eyebrows in the basketball community.
“If I’m the 76ers, I’ll shut Joel Embiid down for this season. for the simple fact, this is going to, like, this is going to continue to get worse. Like he’s not going to come back and be like pain-free.
“You want him to have an opportunity to heal up and then you go into next season you re-sign Tyrese Maxey, you search the market because you got so much cap space and now you get a healthier Joel Embiid.”
Kendrick Perkins: "If I'm the 76ers, I'd shut Joel Embiid down for this season.”
Michael Wilbon: “You mean the rest of the regular season?”
Kendrick Perkins: “The rest of the year.”
(h/t @ClutchPoints)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 1, 2024
Perkins expressed concern over the severity of Embiid’s knee issue, emphasizing the need for the Sixers to prioritize his long-term health over immediate on-court contributions. He pointed to Embiid’s inability to jump off his injured knee before a recent absence against the Denver Nuggets as a major red flag. Surprisingly, Perkins was the one who was urging Embiid to play against Jokic, before he got to know the extent of his injury.
The sports analyst believes that allowing Embiid to continue playing with the existing problem could worsen the situation, affecting his performance in the postseason.
Perkins stated he would shut down Joel Embiid for the entire season, emphasizing the importance of giving Embiid the opportunity to fully heal and avoid any lingering issues.
The abrupt shift in Kendrick Perkins’ opinion has sparked discussions and raised questions about the intricacies of Embiid’s injury and the best course of action for the Sixers. As the team navigates through a crucial juncture of the season, the decision regarding Embiid’s playing status remains a topic of intense debate among fans, analysts, and the basketball community at large.
The NBA Needs To Tweak The 65-Game Rule
The NBA’s 65-game rule, introduced with the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), has stirred controversy and raised concerns among players, fans, and analysts alike. The rule stipulates that players must participate in at least 65 games to be eligible for end-of-season awards such as MVP, Rookie of the Year, and All-NBA teams.
While the intention behind this rule may be to ensure player availability and competitive balance, its impact on both individual players and the league as a whole has sparked a growing debate.
Notable players like Evan Mobley, Draymond Green, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Haliburton, Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Kristaps Porzingis, Lauri Markkanen, Devin Booker, and Donovan Mitchell have either missed or are approaching the 18-missed-games mark, putting them at risk of disqualification from prestigious awards and financial bonuses.
One glaring issue with the rule is its potential to force injured players back onto the court prematurely. Joel Embiid’s recent knee injury, suffered in his return against Golden State, is a prime example. The pressure to meet the 65-game threshold may lead players to prioritize their eligibility over their health, jeopardizing their long-term well-being and the team’s prospects.
Tyrese Haliburton, who criticized the rule as “stupid,” highlights the frustration players feel about being subject to financial penalties and missing out on career-altering bonuses due to factors beyond their control. The financial implications of the rule are significant, as evidenced by Haliburton’s potential $41 million bonus tied to making an All-NBA team this season.
To address these concerns, the NBA must consider tweaking the 65-game rule or devising a more flexible plan that accommodates unforeseen circumstances such as injuries. A potential solution could involve a sliding scale that factors in games missed due to legitimate injuries, ensuring that players aren’t penalized for situations beyond their control.
The league should prioritize the well-being of its players while maintaining the competitive integrity of the awards system. A balance must be struck to encourage players to prioritize their health without compromising the significance of end-of-season awards.
The current rule, criticized by players like Haliburton, reflects the need for a thoughtful and player-centric approach to ensure the league’s continued success and the players’ overall welfare.
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