1 week Ago
The day all Philadelphia 76ers fans have been waiting for has finally arrived: the return of their NBA superstar, Joel Embiid . On Tuesday night, Embiid is set to make his season debut in the first group play matchup of the NBA's In-Season Tournament (Emirates Cup) against the New York Knicks . Embiid’s most recent action came during the Paris Olympics, where he won a gold medal with Team USA.
Since then, he has gradually progressed through the offseason and early part of the season, recovering from a nagging injury that followed the Olympics. He could have returned last week, but after an altercation with a reporter in the locker room, the NBA suspended him for three games. Now, after the drama and controversy, Embiid is ready to hit the floor alongside his new teammate Paul George for the first time this season.
His pregame arrival generated plenty of excitement, as basketball is simply better when Joel Embiid is healthy and representing Philadelphia. Check it out: Joel Embiid arrives for his long-awaited debut 💪 (via @NBAonTNT ) pic.twitter.
com/mxSRcpP82V The 76ers have struggled to start the season. With both Embiid and George missing early games, followed by Tyrese Maxey's absence in recent contests, the team currently sits at 2-7 and is in 12th place in a surprisingly weak Eastern Conference. Only two teams in the East—Cleveland and Boston—are above .
500. However, when Embiid is on the floor, the 76ers are easily one of the best teams in the conference and the league. Embiid, the 2023 NBA MVP, a 7-time All-Star, and a two-time NBA scoring champion, is a dominant force on the court.
His biggest flaw remains his inability to stay healthy consistently, coupled with the 76ers' lack of playoff success during his tenure. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Frustrated with the way he has been treated during the early weeks of the season, Embiid voiced his displeasure, noting that he has done too much for the city of Philadelphia to be treated the way he has been. It will be interesting to see how the notoriously rowdy Philadelphia fanbase welcomes their superstar back to the floor on Tuesday night.
Related: Fans Wondering If Reporter Will Face Consequences After Joel Embiid Suspension.
