SUMMARY
- The Sixers' Nick Nurse recently claimed that Joel Embiid could return ahead of the NBA playoffs.
- Embiid was an MVP candidate but he ended missing 28 games due to a lateral meniscus injury.
Earlier in the season, Joel Embiid was probably the most dominant player we’ve seen in a while. After winning his first MVP Award last season, it was certain that the next step was winning a ring with the Philadelphia 76ers. Until January, the Sixers were arguably the best team in the Eastern Conference. They weren’t far behind the top-seeded Boston Celtics either. Unfortunately, injuries became a major concern for the reigning MVP.
Before being ruled out of play for two months, Embiid averaged 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. But his name would make frequent visits in and out of the injury report. After battling through a lot of criticism, he opened up about his ankle ailment but still wanted to fight through it. By the end of January, the Sixers reported that he was diagnosed with a lateral meniscus injury.
Joel Embiid could return before the regular season’s end
Initially, the Sixers claimed it would take at least six months for him to get back in shape. Joel Embiid had to undergo surgery keeping him out throughout February and March. During this period, the team ended up experiencing multiple losing streaks and dropped to the 8th seed. However, recent updates claim that Embiid looks healthy and ready to return.
There is some hope Joel Embiid could return this week 👀, per @JClarkNBCS pic.twitter.com/GlYjAmc7XM
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 31, 2024
Nick Nurse recently said, “I think there’s a very good likelihood that he will return before the playoffs,” This means that Embiid aims to return before the end of the regular season. There are only nine games left, and maybe this will be an attempt to get through the Play-In Tournament at least. However, an early return is what concerns most people. The Sixers should worry about aggravating the healing injury or slowing down the recovery process.
NBA reporter believes Joel Embiid’s reason for return is the Olympics
With the Sixers making a highly questionable move, analysts and reporters have now come up with theories behind the change of plan. Keith Pompey recently shared his take on Joel Embiid’s return saying, “Of course, if you ask him, or you ask the people around, like, ‘Nah, nah, he wants to help the team.’ Then there may be someone in the fanbase who says, ‘What’re you doing? Like, what about the team? Like, what about us? Like, you don’t wanna play in the playoffs but you’ll come back for the Olympics.’”
Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid is reportedly slated to come back some time this week.
But @PompeyOnSixers tells @DarthAmin and @talkhoops he’s wondering if Embiid is healthy enough to play. pic.twitter.com/GwXPViMCjg
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) March 31, 2024
Joel Embiid is expected to play for Team USA during the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. Pompey believes that Embiid is trying to avoid being criticized for taking more time off and joining USAB this summer. He has missed 28 games since January, which was when he made his last appearance on the floor. Philly only managed to win 10 games during that stretch.
