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Joel Embiid speaks out on NBA restart: ‘I don’t think it’s going to be safe’

Sixers star Joel Embiid during game against the Grizzlies
Feb 7, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) attempts a shot against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

There’s a number of players questioning whether it’s smart to restart the 2019-20 NBA season in Orlando late this month amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We can now add another star to that list.

Joel Embiid questions safety with NBA season set to restart at Walt Disney World

It seems that Embiid also called out teammates who he believes might put the All-Star center in harm’s way. Embiid also talked about how basketball isn’t everything. Health is important.

This isn’t to say Embiid will opt out of the season. He’s fully ready to go and will join the Sixers in Orlando to start the season on July 30.

Number of NBA players opt out of resuming season

We’ve seen the likes of Victor Oladipo, Avery Bradley and Trevor Ariza opt out of resuming the season. Meanwhile, Nets stars DeAndre Jordan and Spencer Dinwiddie will not be in Orlando after testing positive for COVID-19.

Is the NBA season in jeopardy due to COVID-19?

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver noted recently that an outbreak of the virus could very well put a halt to the season resuming. As of right now, we’re not seeing said outbreak.

But as teams make their way to Orlando this week, there’s a chance we could see an uptick of cases. It has happened with Major League Soccer as that sport’s season resumes at the very same Walt Disney World location on Wednesday.

Philadelphia 76ers aiming for a championship

Prior to the season being suspended back on March 11, Philadelphia was a hot mess. Embiid and fellow star Ben Simmons had been dealing with injuries. Head coach Brett Brown was on the hot seat.

The Sixers now head to Orlando with a 39-26 record and as the sixth seed back east. It will have eight regular-season games to jump the standings.

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