The 2016-17 NBA season is only a few weeks old, but Joel Embiid has already emerged as one of the most entertaining aspects of the season. The versatile, shockingly nimble, and supremely talented big man is finally playing in his first real games of his career and he’s been just as delightful on the court as he is on Twitter. Or on the dance floor. He’s just as likely to dunk on someone as he is to hit a long three-pointer, cross over a dubious center, swat away a few LeBron attempts at the rim, or do something extremely Dream-esque like this:
As such a prized jewel, the Sixers are being extra cautious with Embiid and his seemingly fragile foot, limiting his minutes each night and apparently his long term workload as well, as evidenced by his latest appearance on the team’s injury report. The Sixers announced Embiid won’t even be traveling to their next game in Indiana against the Pacers for something called “load management.”
Practice update:
•Thompson probable
•Okafor, Rodriguez, Henderson limited; no scripting
•Embiid will not travel to Indiana (load management)— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) November 8, 2016
CSNPhilly’s Jessica Camerato reports that it’s a schedule issue, not a true injury, and all a part of the Sixers extreme care they’re taking with their valuable and talented big man.
Embiid isn't traveling to Indy, will stay in Philly for individualized workouts. This is based on workload, schedule. Not bc of an injury.
— Jessica Camerato (@JessicaCamerato) November 8, 2016
Camerato also reported that Embiid was frustrated, but understands it’s a matter of the team caring about him and his career. It’s the right approach, because even though Joel has made Philadelphia a must-watch League Pass team for the first time in, well, probably ever, they have to think long term with him and not just for entertainment value. All I know is next time I have to skip out on some work, “load management” is going to be my reasoning.
