(Picture by Mitchell Leff/Getty Photographs)
The Philadelphia 76ers’ season opener turned bitter as they fell to the Milwaukee Bucks, a defeat that stung much more with Joel Embiid and Paul George watching from the sidelines.
Embiid’s absence, which is able to lengthen no less than via the subsequent two video games because of left knee damage administration, has already raised eyebrows, particularly after he sat out the complete preseason whereas ramping up for the common season.
NBA legend Charles Barkley isn’t mincing phrases in regards to the scenario.
“He just signed for three years, $193 million. To play basketball. We’re not steel workers, we’re not nurses,” Barkley mentioned, by way of NBA on TNT.
“We’re not steel workers, we’re not nurses… we’re playing basketball, at the most, four days a week.”
Embiid’s load administration is not flying with Chuck 👀 pic.twitter.com/PC2HZd9HwK
What actually irked Barkley was Embiid’s current ESPN interview, the place the middle indicated he’d doubtless skip future back-to-back video games.
“He has the best backup in the league in [Andre] Drummond,” Barkley mentioned. “To come out and say it in advance, was stupidity by the Sixers,” referring to Daryl Morey’s public announcement of Embiid’s relaxation schedule.
Embiid may even sit out upcoming matchups with the Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers.
As a result of he didn’t play within the preseason in any respect, the NBA is investigating Embiid’s damage standing and the way the Sixers plan to handle his taking part in time this season.
Regardless of showing in simply 39 video games final season, Embiid’s impression was plain.
The Sixers posted a powerful 31-8 document with him on the ground, making a powerful playoff push earlier than the New York Knicks halted their journey.
His restricted availability, nonetheless, continues to spark debate about their official championship aspirations.
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NBA Has Begun Investigation Into Joel Embiid Concerning Participation
