Joel Embiid willing to let go of All-Star and All-NBA honors to avoid entering postseason with injuries: "No agenda"
In his rise to superstardom, Joel Embiid has struggled to enter the postseason 100% healthy. Following a very successful offseason with the Philadelphia 76ers, the former MVP is determined to change that narrative in 2025.
Between All-Star appearances, scoring titles and an MVP, Embiid has racked up about every accolade a player can get. Now, the last thing eluding him is a championship. Flanked by a pair of All-Stars in Tyrese Maxey and Paul George, he has a strong opportunity to complete his historic resumé.
During the 76ers' media day on Monday, Joel Embiid was asked about being banged up when the playoffs roll around. This season, he is putting personal success aside to make sure he's ready physically to compete on the game's biggest stage.
“We gotta do whatever it takes to make sure that in the postseason I am healthy. This year, there’s no agenda, there’s no All-Star, there’s no All-NBA.”
Embiid is already off to a good start, as he didn't have to spend the majority of the offseason recovering. Instead, he was able to play alongside some of the game's top talents in the Summer Olympics. After helping Team USA secure a gold medal, the All-Star big man is now trying to have similar success in the NBA.
Joel Embiid cites major weight loss during media day press conference
Over the years, one of the main criticisms regarding Joel Embiid is that he is always hurt because of his weight. Based on some of his recent comments, it appears that it was a problem he addressed.
While at the podium for media day, the Philadelphia 76ers star was asked about where he's at physically heading into this season. Embiid responded by saying that he's lost somewhere between 25 and 30 pounds over the summer.
This is another aspect where partaking in the Olympics likely came in handy for Joel Embiid. In the past, he's been a player who plays himself into shape throughout the course of the season. Not far removed from playing in international competition should allow the superstar center to hit the ground running from day one.
Before getting injured last season, Embiid was well on his way to another MVP. In the 39 games he played, he averaged 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists.
The Sixers have done a good job building a roster capable of competing for a championship. However, they're only going to go as far as Embiid will take them. If they want any chance at achieving their goals, they'll need him right physically and mentally when the postseason starts.
Between the new additions and Embiid's mindset, things seem to be lining up nicely for the Sixers. All the pieces are in place, and now the pressure will be on them to execute.