5 Joel Embiid Injury Thoughts Daryl Morey Should Avoid
The desperation to get out of the second round of the NBA playoffs has become an albatross around the neck of the Philadelphia 76ers. It dominates every discussion and keeps even regular-season success from feeling like an accomplishment.
We all know that star players lead every successful team in the NBA, so the health of Joel Embiid means everything to their chances. The pressure is clearly on Daryl Morey after Embiid’s recent injury, but it shouldn’t be. Here is the don’t list that should be on his desk.
Don’t play out a Scooby Doo episode with his injury.
It’s not the regular plan of attack, but just being honest with the fan base would be a refreshing change. There is no need for cloak and dagger antics. By now, the entire fan base understands the fragile nature of Joel Embiid. It isn’t that he is weak or not “tough.” His body just doesn’t handle the wear and tear of the NBA season as well as others.
Don’t push Joel Embiid to “play through” the injury.
If you are believing that Joel Embiid isn’t going to be moved this offseason (I’m not advocating that), then you better handle this injury with a long-term vision. Attempting to get him back on the court too quickly would be a huge mistake.
Don’t empty the coffers to chase a quick fix.
If the team is going to be without Embiid for an extended period of time (which is a solid possibility), it is imperative that Daryl Morey doesn’t swing for the fences with this crew.
Yes, it would make everyone feel a little better about their chances. The truth is it would end up being like you feel after that ice cream sundae. You loved the taste, but afterwards, you wonder if you really needed it.
Don’t focus on 2024 playoffs; focus on next year,
Nobody is going to want to hear this, but if I haven’t seen this team advance to the Eastern Conference Finals when finishing in the top 4 of the conference, why should I expect after 23 seasons that they can do it from the 5-10 portion of the bracket?
I believe the Knicks have passed them on the 2024 playoff chances board while the Celtics and the Bucks might pull away in the coming weeks. The Cavaliers could also push ahead depending on how hobbled Embiid will be.
Don’t apologize.
Joel has had yet another amazing season. The 76ers have been an entertaining product. It’s not the fault of anyone if the team doesn’t succeed in the spring without Embiid healthy. A bad break has potentially derailed their chances. Hoping is now a primary strategy.
“He did say he’ll be back, he’ll be back and ready to go. When that is we don’t know, but we’ll be looking forward to that and we’ll help him get there.”
— 97.5 The Fanatic (@975TheFanatic) February 2, 2024
-Nick Nurse to Tom McGinnis pregame on Joel Embiid’s injury