If Nick Nurse had a dime for every time he was unlucky this season, he’d be a millionaire by now. That’d probably be the best description of the Philly HC’s situation. Just when the franchise thought this would finally be their year, reality proved how the 76ers are like Netflix — there’s always a next season (unoriginal but funny nonetheless). But what is the mess? After recruiting Paul George to complete the trio with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, injuries have been the most prominent headache for Nurse, ironically. But to escape from these harsh circumstances, all he needs is a good puff on we*d. And that’s the exact sage advice given to him on national television.

Do not mistake this for a humorous take. Rather, Stephen A. Smith clarified that his comments were made out of concern. “I’m getting concerned about Nick Nurse,” the ESPN veteran told his First Take colleagues. “Listen, you have heard me say, Shannon (Sharpe), Tim Legler, stay off the we*d! I’m encouraging him to get on some, based on everything that I’ve heard we*d does. Now, damn it, it’s legal in various states throughout the United States of America, recreationally. Damn it, go ahead and use it.”

In fact, he told his audience, “If you see Nick Nurse getting a drink after games at a bar… Leave him alone. You understand? Let him drink. Let him drink. Let him smoke some we*d. Let him do whatever.” Wondering why Stephen A. was suddenly suggesting such vices to Nurse? Well, what else could be expected after the kind of season the Sixers are having? And despite his esteemed status as a coach, Nurse has been forced to watch his team fall apart. This sort of frustration can lead to depression, and that’s exactly what Stephen A. is trying to prevent.

The deep lying sarcasm in this situation is meant to highlight the mental toll it could be taking on Nurse. Stephen A. feels that despite Nurse being a brilliant basketball mind, he’s suffering because of the inconsistent performance from his players, particularly Joel Embiid, whose continuous injuries have kept him off the court.

“This is evidence of what happens when you are bereft of talent, because the talent that you paid, that you relied upon, that you trust hasn’t shown up. I can’t imagine how depressed this man is,” Stephen A. added. “As a matter of fact, when you look at Joel Embiid, I believe Paul George would have took the three years and stayed in Los Angeles if he knew this Embiid was going to be his teammate, because Embiid is just not healthy. He can barely walk.”

He joked that Paul George would have probably stayed with the Clippers if he’d known how the season in Philadelphia would unfold, especially with the 7-footer’s health struggles. But unfortunately for the Sixers, that’s not the end of their miseries. Another setback is waiting for them.

Nick Nurse and the 76ers face tough news as Joel Embiid’s situation worsens

According to a report from The Philadelphia Inquirer, Embiid may need to undergo a meniscus replacement procedure. Alternatively, the doctors could be required to realign the joint, which may involve breaking a bone in his hip to alleviate the pressure. Brian Sutterer, the renowned sports doctor, further informed, “Meniscus tears and resection are far from ‘mundane’ in a big person who does repetitive high impact activities. This is not a surprising turn of events.”

Embiid has been battling knee issues for quite some time now. Last season, he took an extended break to look for a permanent solution, but unfortunately, it didn’t work out. This ongoing situation could surely spell more trouble for Nick Nurse and the 76ers.

There’s no denying the significant impact Embiid could have on the team. However, he hasn’t quite been himself this season, having played just 19 games, averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. The last thing the Sixers need right now is for him to be out for a long stretch again. Having said that, retirement calls have already started pouring in. What are your thoughts on the situation with Embiid? Let us know in the comments below!