Joel Embiid has been known to make headlines over the years, typically for his MVP-level play. However, this time, it’s for the wrong reasons, as the Philadelphia 76ers’ struggles see no end.
Embiid hasn’t been at his usual best and was benched in the fourth quarter during the Sixers’ seventh straight loss to the Brooklyn Nets. The two-time NBA champion was seemingly fuming and ignored the media afterward.
Joel Embiid Declines To Speak to Media After 76ers Lose Seventh Straight
Embiid sat out the entire fourth quarter after managing just just 14 points in 31 minutes. He missed all of his 3-point attempts, and while the Sixers were in the lead in the last moments, Nic Claxton’s winner at the horn won the game 105-103 for Brooklyn.
Embiid, who has only been available for 19 games this season, declined to speak to the media following the game. He, however, admitted on Thursday that he wasn’t at his best.
Joel Embiid has declined to speak to the media after the 76ers 7th straight loss
(Per @PaulHudrick) pic.twitter.com/nvvOAcWcMN
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) February 23, 2025
“The way I was playing a year ago is not the way I’m playing right now,” Embiid said Thursday after the 76ers lost to Boston. “I probably need to fix the problem, and then I’ll be back at that level. But it’s hard to have trust when you’re not yourself.”
The 30-year-old has struggled with knee problems for the better part of his career, including the 2023-2024 season, when he only played in 39 games and underwent meniscus surgery in Feb. 2024. Embiid returned to the court in April 2024, but things have been rocky since.
The Sixers signed Paul George over the summer to pair him up with Embiid, but the nine-time NBA All-Star has also struggled with injuries and is taking injections to be able to play. George was asked whether he had any advice for Embiid following the loss to Brooklyn and suggested that the best thing was to get the body used to the physical strain.
“Drugs helped me. That’s what’s kind of getting me over the hump.”
“But I mean I get it, especially for how big he is, the size he is, and how he plays. I know it takes a toll on him. I think the best thing for it is reps. Once your body is conditioned, you build a callus for, you know, that constant beating and pounding.”
“So that was the best thing for me, was just kind of playing through it. And you know, eventually your body gets adjusted to it and gets used to it,” George concluded.
With the injury limiting Embiid this season, he’s played slightly below his traditional standards, averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. Considering Embiid has averaged over 30 points a game in the last three seasons, the injury is clearly taking its toll.
