Joel Embiid, one of the most dominant big men in today’s NBA, has often been plagued by injuries, failing to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a title. Despite being a one-time MVP, Joel Embiid has never made it past the Eastern Conference semifinals, which remains one of the biggest criticisms against him. Former NBA star Dwight Howard believes he has the solution: Joel Embiid needs to shed some pounds.
During an appearance on “The OGs” podcast, Howard emphasized that Embiid’s weight is a significant factor in his injury woes and overall performance.
“He’s 7-2, 7-3. And he got the handles. He can shoot threes. He’s 390. He’s big. … I think he’s too heavy for the wear and tear of an NBA season,” Howard said. “I think if he loses about 20 pounds, it would be great for his knees. He’ll be able to play a couple more years longer. He’ll be faster. He’ll probably be able to jump higher.”
“I think [Joel Embiid] is too heavy for the wear and tear of an NBA season… I think if he loses 20 pounds it’ll be great for his knees.”
-Dwight Howard on Joel Embiid
pic.twitter.com/h0ei5P73Zy— Aidan LaPorta (@AidanLaPorta69) July 31, 2024
Howard referenced his own career to back up his advice, recalling how losing weight improved his agility and performance.
“I did go through a season where I lost weight. I lost 30 pounds in 30 days. Then next year I came back with the Lakers. And I was a lot leaner, but I was a lot faster. Jumping like I was 19 again. So I really believe that if he loses that weight, he’ll be more mobile. I think he’ll be smart.”
USA’s Steve Kerr on his starting lineup changes vs. South Sudan: “This is the fastest team in the tournament we’re going to play. We wanted to match up. They made 14 threes against us in London. The whole game today was going to be about switching and staying in front of people.”
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) July 31, 2024
Injuries have been a recurring issue for Embiid throughout his NBA career. He missed his first two seasons due to a stress fracture in his back in March 2014, followed by surgery on a broken navicular bone in his right foot in June of the same year. More recently, the Sixers center played just 39 games in the 2023-24 season because of a knee injury. After being crowned MVP the previous season, he failed to meet the 65-game requirement to be considered for regular-season awards.
In Team USA’s 103-86 win against South Sudan on Wednesday in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Joel Embiid was benched for the entire game. Coach Steve Kerr explained the decision post-game, emphasizing the need to match up against South Sudan’s speed and three-point shooting.
“This is the fastest team in the tournament we’re going to play. We wanted to match up. They made 14 threes against us in London. The whole game today was going to be about switching and staying in front of people,” Kerr said.
Embiid started the game against Serbia and scored just four points, raising questions about his role in the team moving forward. Whether Kerr will play Embiid in the final group stage game against Puerto Rico on Saturday remains uncertain.
The debate surrounding Joel Embiid’s fitness and weight is not new, but Dwight Howard’s comments bring a fresh perspective from someone who has experienced the physical demands of the NBA firsthand. Howard’s suggestion that Embiid needs to lose weight to stay healthy and extend his career might seem controversial, but it is grounded in practical experience. The modern NBA is faster and more physically demanding than ever, and carrying extra weight can undoubtedly exacerbate injury risks and hinder performance.
Embiid’s injury history speaks for itself. Despite his immense talent and potential, his frequent absences from the court have been a significant setback for the Philadelphia 76ers. The suggestion that losing weight could help alleviate some of these issues is not without merit. However, it is essential to consider that weight loss must be approached carefully, ensuring that Embiid maintains his strength and conditioning.
Steve Kerr’s decision to bench Embiid against South Sudan highlights another aspect of this discussion. The need for versatility and speed in today’s game cannot be overstated. While Embiid’s size and skill set are valuable, there are situations where a lighter, quicker lineup is more effective.
In conclusion, while Howard’s comments may stir some controversy, they also prompt a necessary conversation about Embiid’s long-term health and performance. The Philadelphia 76ers and Embiid himself must weigh these factors carefully as they look to maximize his impact and ensure he remains a dominant force in the NBA for years to come.
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