"We're calling it 'The Program'" - NBA announcer hilariously rebrands Joel Embiid's 'The Process' moniker over 76ers stars skipping games
In 2023, Joel Embiid was the talk of the town as he won his first NBA MVP award. But, in 2024, he's the subject of conversation for an entirely different reason.
During NBA TV's pregame coverage of the San Antonio Spurs-Philadelphia 76ers game on Monday, analyst Dennis Scott described how the Sixers were approaching Embiid's game-to-game status, given his slew of injuries this season. Scott went on to make a comment that drew a spirited reaction from the NBA TV panel.
Channing Frye, who is a player-turned-analyst like Scott, asked if the Sixers are implementing a minutes restriction on their star center. "How are they looking to progress?" Frye asked.
After showing a brief look of exasperation on his face, 3D replied,
"Well now, we're calling it 'The Program.' If he's feeling good, he gon' play."
The panel—consisting of Frye, Udonis Haslem, and Stephanie Ready—immediately burst out in laughter, perhaps owing to Scott's deadpan delivery.
He went on to explain,
"It was a 'Process,' we've had 'Patience,' now this is the new 'Program.' When he's feeling well and he's telling the trainer he wanna play, he gon' play."
The three Ps that Scott enumerated basically sum up the ride that Sixers fans have been on for over a decade now. After enduring years of cellar-dweller status, Philadelphia appeared to turn a corner in the mid-2010s when they drafted Embiid (2014) and 6-foot-10 playmaker Ben Simmons (2016).
Philly fans, though, had to exercise some more patience as Embiid dealt with injuries and Simmons showed some blatant shortcomings on offense. By February 2022, Simmons was out of Philadelphia; though Embiid went on to be named MVP the year after, the Sixers still haven't made it to the Eastern Conference Finals since the Allen Iverson days.
Joel Embiid should be shut down for the season, says former All-Star
Understandably, many fans and analysts have given their two cents on the Sixers' handling of Embiid. One famous podcaster has even suggested a rather drastic solution.
On last Friday's episode of "Gil's Arena," former All-Star guard Gilbert Arenas called for the Sixers organization to bench Embiid for the rest of the season.
"You should have cut the cord f***** weeks ago," said Arenas. "Embiid, cut. Paul George, we'll see. If not get healthy. They're not going to help you win a championship this year. So, if they can't help you win a championship, shut them down."
Whether they agree with Arenas' take or not, the Sixers front office will have to find creative ways to maximize Joel Embiid as this season progresses.