After Taking a Big Hit on Back-to-Back MVP Chances, Joel Embiid Makes Brutal Admission on Missing Games: “These Guys Want You to Take a Break”

The Philadelphia 76ers have started the 2023-24 season in fine form. In fact, their stellar start has surprised many people after the whole James Harden trade fiasco. However, Nick Nurse’s brilliant strategic mind and the excellence of reigning MVP Joel Embiid have made the Sixers one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference.

Joel Embiid made a stunning comeback from a four-game injury layoff against the Bulls. In the game, Embiid recorded his second triple-double of the season and finished the game with 31 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists. His exceptional performances have made him the frontrunner for another MVP award. However, the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) could potentially ruin Embiid’s MVP dreams.

Joel Embiid makes an honest admission about his durability

Under the new CBA, a player is only eligible for an award if he participates in more than 65 regular season games. Embiid has already missed 7 games this season. However, in a recent interview, Embiid didn’t seem too bothered by the new rule. He said, “I just want to play as many games as possible. It’s unfortunate that I missed the past four games, but can’t control it… Sometimes it’s just not possible. Sometimes stuff happens. Sometimes these guys want you to take a break.”

Embiid has had terrible luck with injuries so far in his career. He missed the first two seasons of his NBA career due to a foot injury. During his debut season in 2016-17, Embiid missed 51 games because of a season-ending knee surgery. Despite being relatively healthy in the past few seasons, the prospect of a serious injury always looms, given his past injury record. But, with Embiid fit, the Sixers are primed for another assault on the NBA title.

Can the Sixers win the NBA title?

The Philadelphia 76ers have become a perennial title contender in recent years. However, they haven’t been able to clear the final hurdle and win the coveted NBA title. Despite possessing the likes of Embiid, Harden, and Simmons in the past, the Sixers never managed to make it to the NBA finals.

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However, this season could be very different. The Sixers made a brilliant move by hiring Nick Nurse as the head coach. He has completely transformed the Sixers and made them a treat to watch. Furthermore, Tyrese Maxey has taken another leap into All-Star territory. However, despite all the positives, the Sixers aren’t a finished article like other title rivals like the Celtics and Nuggets. An NBA title looks extremely unlikely this season, but the future looks promising for the Sixers.

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