Joel Embiid hasn’t been spared from injury this year. It is hidden, reached in the orbit and in the thumb, that the pivot had to face the Miami Heat in the semi-finals of the conference. The leader of the Philadelphia Sixers will take advantage of the summer to recover, after two operations to heal his injuries.
An MVP runner-up, Embiid finished the season averaging 30.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. Another year of dominance, which took the Sixers to 4th place in the East with a 51-31 record.
However, once in the playoffs, not everything went exactly as planned. First, a torn thumb ligament after Game 4 against the Toronto Raptors. Still, knowing he would eventually need surgery, Embiid opted to keep playing. Ultimate testimony to his great competitive spirit.
Rebelote in the last confrontation of the series. The kingpin fractured his eye socket on contact, which also sent him into concussion protocol. But again, he decided to return as soon as possible to face the Heat. Out of protocol and with a custom mask on, he kept the 76ers dreaming until Game 6.
Two operations to prepare for 2022-2023
His season over, he had no choice but to resort to surgery. Joel Embiid had surgery on his right thumb and left index finger on Monday, which he was apparently also affected by. It would seem that he is no longer one injury away.
According to his team, the five-time All-Star should be restored before training camp. The 76ers hope to find him fully healthy before the next season, when he will still be aiming for the title, probably alongside James Harden.
Remember that Embiid’s health has often been questioned. Since his NBA Draft in 2014, the pivot has never played a year without injury. A torn meniscus in each knee, a torn ligament in the thumb, two orbital fractures, a few sprains, tendinitis and bruises… a veritable colossus with feet of clay. This liability could compromise the rest of his career in the big league, but also his potential integration into the French team for the 2024 Olympic Games.
Joel Embiid talks about his steps for the France team
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