In an attempt to preserve Joel Embiid‘s health after injuries delayed the start of his career, the Sixers have been conservative in their usage of the All-Star center. Among the tactics to preserve Embiid has been sitting him in the back end of back-to-backs.
This season, Embiid may play more back ends of back-t0-backs this season, per Derek Bodner of The Athletic (Twitter link). Embiid, 25, has suited up in 63 and 64 games the past two seasons, respectively.
The Cameroon native enjoyed an MVP-caliber season in 2018/19, averaging 27.5 PPG and 11.1 RPG in nearly 34 minutes per contest. Embiid played back-to-backs at the start of the season, but after injuries mounted, that was quickly scrapped in favor of the more conservative approach.
Entering his fourth NBA season, it’s a good indication that Embiid’s seven-foot frame is adjusting to the grind and can withstand an increased workload.
It’s been 5 years since that original injury. The constant babying is ridiculous. He needs to play 70-75 games.
Why? Kawhi only played 60 games last year when Toronto won the title.
Kawhi had and probably still has a leg/thigh problem… He still had a limp in the playoffs.
Why? Because fans pay to see players play not rest, remember they only play 6-8 months a year, they have a lot of time to rest out of season!
Especially for Philly franchise. One and done. Then he can whine again next year, God willing.
Homeboy also dropped 20lbs and is ready for the grind of the season. He seems more motivated after the result of the playoffs last year. Time will tell…