While he missed the first four games of the 2024-2025 NBA regular season, Joel Embiid is sorely missed in Philadelphia. After his knee injury, the 2023 MVP received criticism for his lack of desire. On Friday, the American kingpin responded to his detractors.
Sixers 12th in the Eastern Conference after only one victory in four matches… The absence since the start of the 2024-2025 NBA regular season of Joel Embiid (and Paul George)… A situation which has irritated Philadelphia and the journalists present after the last defeat against the Detroit Pistons (105-95).
A lack of desire pointed out, after his knee injury, pushed the 2023 MVP to explain himself. “I’ve done too much for Philly to deserve to be treated like that,” says the pivot, before justifying himself: “If your body doesn’t react well, if your body tells you something, you have to listen to it .I broke my face twice, came back early at risk of losing my sight, had a broken finger, I still came back, so I’m not going to sit here and watch people say. that I don’t want to play.”
A return planned this weekend?
After clarifying the situation, the Sixers player wanted to provide some details on his return. “Like I said, I wish I was as lucky as the others. But that doesn’t mean I don’t try to come back, that I don’t do whatever it takes to be there, that which will soon be the case”, he announces in the mixed zone.
If he missed the first four matches of the regular season, his absence has so far been felt, with three defeats (against Milwaukee, Toronto and Detroit). Philadelphia needs its star to kick off its season, and it could come at just the right time. According to insider Shams Charania (ESPN), the pivot has been gaining strength in recent days and has participated in several training matches, his return could take place this weekend, against Memphis on the night of Saturday to Sunday, he who has not played since the Pairs Olympic Games and the final won against the Blues (98-87).
