Stephen A. Smith Breaks Silence After Draymond Green Called Him Out for Joel Embiid’s Injury Debacle

The reigning MVP of the league Joel Embiid availability for the remaining season appears to be a big question mark as the player suffered a meniscus injury to his left knee and will have to undergo surgery. This injury of his got aggravated on the game held on the 31st of January when he made a comeback against the Golden State Warriors and the 21-year-old forward Jonathan Kuminga fell on him. Many fans and analysts believed that Embiid hurt his knee because he came back to play before fully recovering from his injury.

Even the 4x Champion LeBron James spoke about the injury and accused the TV hosts and media personalities of undermining Embiid’s injury situation and criticizing him for resting. So, earlier this week replying to James’ comments, Stephen A. Smith explained how no one had any questions about Embiid’s injury. Rather they were questioning the players who sit out games for unnecessary reasons and take time off from games when they are healthy but will be the first ones to collect their cheques.

Upon listening to Smith’s analysis, Warriors Center Draymond Green opposed it and pointed out that Embiid will miss extended time only due to the new load management rules, which are aimed at players who rest when they are healthy. However, Embiid is not healthy and is hurt due to which this rule is a little unfair to him and Smith agrees. Smith said, “Draymond didn’t tell a lie in that regard. It’s okay to disagree because I certainly don’t publicize and acknowledge it, but he is absolutely right.” 

So, due to Draymond Green calling out Smith for allegedly cornering the reigning MVP, Stephen A. had no choice but to agree with his statements about the issues with the new policies. However, Green did not stop there and further called out the league for their new Player Participation Policy and how it is hampering the well-being of the athletes.

Draymond Green criticized the NBA for not letting injured players rest

Draymond Green’s vocal criticism of the NBA’s new rules on player rest extends within the league as he points out the negative effects it has on injured players like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Haliburton. He points out the issue of really injured players who are further hampered by the league’s laws, pushing the NBA to look into ailments to confirm their validity and control the load management procedures.

Read More: After Going Through “Hell” Against Trae Young, Draymond Green Exposes the Double Standards Surrounding the Hawk’s Star’s All-Star Snub

He emphasizes the unfairness that athletes go through as a result of the connection between injury and league regulations, particularly when rest is required for their recovery. So now, as the NBA works to address these concerns, the impact on players like Joel Embiid serves as an upsetting reminder of the risks that come with striking the fine line between competition and well-being in professional basketball.

Watch this Story: Draymond Green Drops 187 Ranks Lower After Suffering More Than $1,000,000 in NBA Fines