Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid lashed out at his critics in his first public comments in a month. This comes as he, and teammate Paul George, will be missing their fifth-straight game on Saturday.
Embiid has been sidelined due to what the team calls “left knee injury management.” The former MVP underwent surgery to repair a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee last season. He was limited to 39 regular-season games but returned for the playoffs, where the 76ers were eliminated in the first round by the New York Knicks.
The star center has faced criticism for not playing despite winning gold with Team USA in the Paris Olympics over the summer.
"He wants to be 100% game ready with that left knee. … He is almost there." š @ShamsCharania on the swelling Joel Embiid faced with his left knee during training camp. pic.twitter.com/l4Gr7XX4BM
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 1, 2024
While Embiid maintains he hasn’t had any setbacks, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Friday that the multi-time All-Star experienced minor swelling in his left knee during training camp.
āI had surgery in February or whenever that was, and I did come back early to fight for the team and to play, try to give us a chance,ā Embiid said, via NBC Sports Philly. āUnfortunately, we lost (to the Knicks in the playoffs). And then I had time to recover. Iāve really still been managing since the last surgery.
āJust managing and trying to figure out the best approach, but I feel pretty good. Iāve started doing some live stuff and it feels pretty good, so I should be back pretty soon.ā
When asked about his Olympic participation, Embiid defended the decision, stating it didn’t interfere with his recovery.
āI think I was fine,ā Embiid said. āWhen youāve got a chance to compete for a gold medal for the U.S. and representing your country, you canāt pass that up. I donāt care what anybody says. Thatās just something you canāt pass up. It felt good to win. It felt good to be part of the experience.
He elaborated on his controlled Olympic workload: āI knew going in I wasnāt needed to do what I do with my team ā carry the load. Honestly, I did nothing. ā¦ I had my littleĀ moment (against Serbia).Ā We all did. ā¦ I was happy just getting rebounds and setting screens and rolling, and getting guys open and playing defense.Ā
āI was happy doing that, so I really had nothing. I never put myself at risk of something happening. That was the easiest load I ever had in my life. It was a great experience, having the chance to win something. And I know it doesnāt mean anything to Americans, but winning a gold medal means a lot to me and that was special.ā
Embiid has been increasing his activity, participating in five-on-five scrimmages at practice. While he feels he’s moving in the right direction, he’s hesitant to set a specific return date.
He acknowledged facing mental hurdles in his return to the court, expressing concerns about potential re-injury.
āI think itās being comfortable,ā he said, via NBC Sports Philly. āTrusting it. I think, just being out there, I want to be at my best. I donāt want to be in a situation where Iām like, āIām afraid if I do this, I might do something.ā ā¦ Since the last surgery, it was probably the toughest mentally. And I think mentally, Iām just dealing with getting that trust back.Ā
āIn the past, it was just easy. But for some reason, this one ā¦ mentally, just trusting yourself, trusting your body. And I think thatās really what Iām doing now.ā
Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid says he’s ‘done way too much’ to be treated like this
During his press conference, Embiid forcefully addressed those questioning his commitment to returning.
Joel Embiid expresses his frustration on not being able to play to start the season š³ pic.twitter.com/g8IYC9hgY2
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) November 1, 2024
“Iāve broken my face twice. I came back early with the risk of losing my vision. Iāve had broken fingers. I still came back,” Embiid stated. “So Iām not going to sit here and be like when I see people saying, ‘He doesnāt want to play.’ Iāve done way too much for this city and putting myself at risk for people to be saying that, so I do think itās bulls***ā¦ Iāve done way too much for this f****** city to be treated like this — done way too f****** much. But like I said, I wish I was as lucky as other ones, but that doesnāt mean that Iām not trying to do whatever it takes to be out there, which Iām going to be here pretty soon.”
Since being drafted in 2014, Embiid has missed nearly 50% of his regular-season games, including his first two seasons due to injuries.
Without Embiid and George, the 76ers have struggled to a 1-3 record to start the year. The team faces the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday.
It’s not yet known when either Embiid or George will return.
Related: How many more games will Philadelphia 76ersā Paul George miss to start the season?