“I’m really not an injury-prone player. I just had that one injury …. ,” Joel Embiid, the Cameroonian-American player once said on being labeled as someone who sits out more often than not. But this time, it’s worse than just missing a few games, because he’s officially ruled out for the rest of the season! And to be very honest, Sixers fans are not taking it well. But just when the frustration hit its peak, a familiar face stepped up. And it is none other than 8-time NBA All-Star Dwight Howard. If anyone knows what it’s like to battle through injuries, it’s him. So what does Howard have to say about this?

The context is: Joel Embiid has been battling a knee issue all season, something that’s been haunting him since last year’s meniscus surgery. He even told ESPN with heaviness, “I would probably never play back-to-backs the rest of my career.” But again, the Sixers need him. Right now, Philly is sitting 12th in the East. Embiid has only played 19 games, but when he’s on the floor, he’s putting up 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. So now you can understand why the team doesn’t want him on the bench. Without last year’s MVP, the team kind of looks lost. And then came Dwight Howard. The 8-time All-Star didn’t just comment on the situation, he spits facts. While most stayed quiet, Howard said what many wouldn’t.

Dwight Howard isn’t here for the fake outrage. In a recent X post, he kept it real. He wrote, “When the man tell you his situation listen 🤷🏾‍♂️Joel said he wasn’t going to play back to backs to prevent this now he out the whole season  … yall forgot he missed 2 seasons before he was even a rookie?” And honestly? He’s got a point. 

People criticize Embiid for his injuries, but let’s not act like this guy isn’t giving his all every time he steps on the court. The Sixers knew his health history, yet they still leaned on him like he was invincible. And now they’re paying the price. And that’s exactly what concerns Dwight Howard the most. Because here’s the real question, do people actually realize what Embiid did for the Sixers when he was out there fighting for them?

Joel Embiid’s fighting for the Philadelphia 76ers over the years

Born in Cameroon, Embiid didn’t grow up dreaming of the NBA. From his childhood, he was more into soccer and volleyball until former NBA player Luc Mbah a Moute saw his potential. That moment changed everything.

Fast forward to today, and Joel Embiid is not just a star, he’s the franchise player for the Philadelphia 76ers. Since being drafted third overall in 2014, he’s built a resume stacked with accolades: seven-time All-Star, two-time scoring champ, and the 2022-23 MVP. But his numbers? Those speak for themselves, averaging 27.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists over his career.

Then came January 22, 2024. A night that is etched in history. Against the Spurs, Embiid dropped an insane 70 points and shattered Wilt Chamberlain’s franchise record. That wasn’t just a statement, it was a warning that someone great has got here. 

But that’s the thing with Embiid, his dominance comes at a cost. His body has taken a beating, and each season feels like a fight against time. From missing his first two NBA seasons to battling knee issues now, injuries have always been his biggest opponent. But again, one thing was there from the beginning when he’s healthy, there’s no debate. Joel Embiid is your guy.