The focus of the NBA is now on the Philadelphia 76ers’ approach to resting their star center, Joel Embiid. Following his absence in all preseason matches, Embiid was unavailable for the Sixers’ first game of the season versus the Milwaukee Bucks, resulting in a 124-109 defeat. Philadelphia stated that Embiid will sit out all three games this week, leading to league investigation.
A Careful Approach for the 2022-23 MVP
Philadelphia has a well-established plan in place for managing Joel Embiid’s playing time effectively. The MVP for the 2022-23 season has never played more than 68 games in a single season because of ongoing health issues. In 2021, Embiid is showing increased caution by dropping 25-30 pounds and choosing to wear a knee brace while playing. The Sixers attribute the center’s missed games to ongoing knee maintenance following his left knee meniscus injury in January.
Balancing Health and NBA Regulations
There have been inquiries about Embiid’s approach to rest, particularly as he gets ready to compete for Team USA in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. The NBA has implemented new regulations to restrict the amount of times teams can give their top players rest, with exceptions for those who have a history of injuries. Embiid’s knee background may support Philadelphia’s strategy, but the league’s assessment will determine its alignment with these criteria.
Setting a New Precedent?
Other NBA teams are closely monitoring the league’s decision. The NBA could establish a precedent for handling players with similar injury risks if they approve Philadelphia’s resting plan for Embiid. Through this investigation, the NBA could soon provide guidance on how teams can navigate the balance between player health and league rules regarding game participation.
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