The Frustrating Saga of Joel Embiid
A Year of Disappointment
It’s been a rollercoaster ride for Joel Embiid, to say the least. After a healthy summer, where he opted to play for Team USA at the Olympics instead of representing his native Cameroon, many expected him to come back strong for the NBA season. However, that wasn’t the case.
Red Flags Galore
The first sign of trouble came when it was announced that Embiid wouldn’t be playing in back-to-back games this year. This raised concerns about his ability to maintain a high level of performance throughout the season. Unfortunately, those concerns were soon validated.
Injury Plagued Season
Embiid made his season debut on November 12th, but only after missing several games due to an undisclosed lower body injury. Since then, he has only played in 13 out of the Sixers’ 39 games. To make matters worse, he recently injured his foot on a media rope during a Christmas game and is expected to be out for at least another 7-10 days.
A Pattern of Behavior
At this point, it’s hard not to question Embiid’s commitment to playing through pain and injuries. With a history of bad breaks and questionable decision-making, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to defend his actions. While he has undoubtedly had his share of bad luck, he also doesn’t do himself any favors when it comes to avoiding injuries.
A Career of Inconsistency
As Embiid approaches his 30s, it’s clear that his body is starting to break down. The 7-foot tall, 280-pound center is not getting any younger, and his injury-prone nature is becoming a major concern. With a lucrative contract extension in place, it’s easy to wonder if Embiid has lost his drive to be great.
A Reality Check
Perhaps it’s time for fans to accept that this is the new normal for Embiid. Instead of expecting him to bounce back from injuries, we should prepare ourselves for a career marked by inconsistency and disappointment. The writing is on the wall – Embiid’s best days may be behind him.
Leave a Reply