USA Today via Reuters
Jan 30, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) is called for an offensive foul against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 30, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) is called for an offensive foul against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Joel Embiid’s historic season has taken a massive turn for the worse. The Philadelphia 76ers superstar was on his way to winning back-to-back MVP trophies this season. However, he will no longer be eligible for any regular season awards because of the new NBA rule. Embiid has already missed 15 games this season and will miss 4 more weeks of action following his knee surgery.
Embiid injured the lateral meniscus in his left knee during last week’s game against the Golden State Warriors. He underwent surgery yesterday and will be re-evaluated after 4 weeks. That means Embiid’s missed game tally will exceed more than 17 games, disqualifying him from the MVP race. Not only has Embiid’s injury shattered his MVP dreams, but it might also have jeopardized his Paris Olympics campaign later this year. Team USA head coach Steve Kerr showed concern regarding Embiid’s availability for the Olympics and claimed “fingers are crossed” for the Center to return before the tournament.
Steve Kerr says Team USA’s “fingers are crossed” that Joel Embiid will be able to play this summer in the Paris Olympics, and said beyond that, it’s always disappointing to see any elite players miss time, and hopes Embiid can get back onto the court soon.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) February 7, 2024
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Kerr also said that it is always disappointing to see elite players miss time due to injury, and he hopes for Embiid’s speedy recovery. Embiid injured his knee during the 4th quarter of the Warriors vs. Sixers game. Warriors Forward Jonathan Kuminga fell on Embiid’s knee while both players were fighting for a loose ball. Embiid was writhing in pain after the play and immediately left the game. He finished with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists before he got injured. The Paris Olympics will commence on July 26, and Embiid will most likely have recovered by then. However, he could withdraw his name from the tournament to get ready for the upcoming NBA season.
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Read More: Who Will Replace Injured Joel Embiid in 2024 NBA All-Star Game?
Joel Embiid has the bigger picture in mind
Even though Joel Embiid’s back-to-back MVP dreams can no longer become a reality, that should not derail his confidence. Embiid had already addressed the possibility of not being eligible for the regular season awards last month and made peace with it. “We’ve got to keep winning, and you put in the stats to be in the MVP conversation, that’s great, too. But at the end of the day, if there’s something going on, and I can’t meet the requirement for the amount of games played to qualify for that, then so be it.” He said in an interview.
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Embiid has already won the MVP trophy once in his career and is satisfied with it. He is more focused on winning his first Championship this season. The Sixers have not won a title since 1983, and Embiid could etch his name in the history books by ending their 41-year drought. Hopefully, Embiid will be able to return fully healthy and keep playing at an elite level to accomplish his ultimate goal.
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