After such constructive buzz across the Sixers after how effectively this offseason went, the brand new season is opening on a fairly bitter observe. The group’s star free agent signing Paul George is out for the season opener (as he recovers from a bone bruise suffered in preseason), and so is Joel Embiid, who will probably be out in opposition to the Bucks and on Friday attributable to left knee damage administration.
Embiid’s absence has been a irritating shock for followers, given the very Sixers-y nature of the scenario being clouded in pointless confusion and a scarcity of transparency. The NBA doesn’t appear to be completely happy both, as ESPN’s Shams Charania has reported that the league is probably going going to start an investigation later this week into “the participant participation” of Embiid.
If the league thinks Embiid is being held out of a high-profile, nationally televised season opener for further time to relaxation, when he might not be coping with an precise damage, that appears to be the trigger for the investigation. The NBA has made it more durable for groups to relaxation gamers, particularly stars, and appear to be seeking to implement that instantly because the season begins.
For now, the Sixers have stated that Embiid is “responding effectively to his individualized plan and is anticipated to ramp up his return to play actions this week, together with scrimmaging.”
If Embiid is coping with an damage, whether or not it’s an aggravation of his beforehand operated-on knee after two meniscus surgical procedures or the rest, the Sixers being extra upfront about every little thing certain can be welcome — for the league workplace and Philly followers alike.
In fact, all that issues is Embiid’s well being is taken care of and the group don’t put any pointless pressure on his physique to maintain him in the perfect form attainable for the playoffs and past. His knee might want to managed rigorously for the remainder of his profession. Nick Nurse and the group have made it clear in current weeks that they’re prioritizing his well being and being further cautious with back-to-backs this season. However transparency extra prematurely to keep away from sudden disappointment for followers and, maybe, hold the league workplace at bay would assist with conditions like this.
Hopefully as soon as the weekend will get right here and Embiid is reevaluated, because the group has stated will occur, we get some extra readability and affirmation of when the massive fella will probably be making his 2024-25 debut.