The Philadelphia 76ers have started this season by load-managing their superstar Joel Embiid after an injury-riddled 2023-24 campaign for the former MVP. But Embiid’s absence on the court while the team is 2-11 to start the season has been inexplicable, especially when he was rested on the second night of a back-to-back alongside Paul George against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Former 76ers and current Los Angeles Clippers center Mo Bamba jokingly trolled Embiid about his load management this season, making it clear that he won’t have the option to miss back-to-backs for the Clippers this season after his return from injury.
“I am not Joe (Joel Embiid). Nah, I’ll die on my shield if I have to, but there’s definitely a plan in place. I think there was a little bit of a minute restriction here, but I didn’t reach those minutes, so I think going into tomorrow, I feel pretty comfortable, feel pretty good and springy, so we’ll see tomorrow.”
Mo Bamba on his injury management plan and if he can play back-to-backs:
“I am not Joe (Joel Embiid). Nah, I'll die on my shield if I have to, but there's definitely a plan in place. I think there was a little bit of a minute restriction here, but I didn't reach those minutes,… pic.twitter.com/2ex5TbdhDC
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) November 18, 2024
Embiid has appeared in just three games this season, averaging 14.7 points and 6.3 rebounds. All three games were losses for the 76ers as the team keeps losing ground in the East due to the inconsistencies of their stars.
Paul George has played seven games so far this season as well, averaging 16.7 points and 5.6 rebounds (1-6 record) after his blockbuster summer move to join the franchise.
The 76ers fell to 2-11 on the season after losing to the Miami Heat tonight in a game that saw Embiid and George play. Joel put up 11 points and eight rebounds in 31 minutes while George had 18 points, six rebounds, and five assists, which wasn’t enough to help them earn the win against an Eastern Conference rival.
Philly doesn’t own their 2025 first-round pick, so there’s no hidden benefit to being as bad as they have been to open the season. Tyrese Maxey’s hamstring injury has complicated this situation, as the 24-year-old point guard can’t be the No. 1 option while George and Embiid load manage their way through the season.
Joel Embiid Doesn’t Appreciate People Criticizing His Load Management
There is no question that Joel Embiid has been injury-prone for almost every season of his 10-year NBA career. He missed his rookie season, didn’t play half the games in his sophomore season, and has nursed injuries heading into the Playoffs almost every year, which has led to the 76ers not making the Conference Finals once despite employing an MVP-caliber talent.
Embiid needs to prioritize his health for his own long-term well-being and to be in a position to maximize his MVP-level play in the Playoffs instead of limping in with a number of injuries. He recently expressed his frustration at the criticism he receives for load managing when everyone has seen the injuries he’s had to play through.
“If your body doesn’t react well, and if your body tells you one thing, I mean I’ve done it. From what I can tell you, I’ve broken my face twice, I came back early with the risk of losing my vision. Had broken fingers, still came back. So I’m not going to sit here and be like, when I see people saying he doesn’t want to play, I’ve done way too much. I’ve done way too much for this city and putting myself at risk for people to be saying that.”
Load management works when the team can reliably get them into the Playoffs without needing Embiid on a nightly basis. But with a 2-11 record through the first month of the season, it’s fair to see why these criticisms are mounting right now.
George has been lackluster and Maxey is injured, so the 76ers need to find a way to maximize regular season wins to put Embiid in the best position for the Playoffs. If load managing Embiid means being in the lottery, it might not be worth it.
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