Joel Embiid is fully aware of the level he needs to achieve in order to return to his MVP form from 2023. Unfortunately, injuries, particularly to his left knee, have been a major obstacle in his journey back to being the player who averaged an impressive 30 points per game for three consecutive seasons.
In the recent 124-104 loss to the Boston Celtics, Embiid played 27 minutes, shot 3-of-9 from the field, and grabbed just three rebounds. This marked only his 18th game of the season, as knee and foot problems have sidelined him more often than not.
While the All-Star break provided some respite, Embiid remains discontent with his current status. “The way I was performing a year ago is a far cry from where I am now. It’s frustrating… I need to address the issues and then I can return to that level. But it’s challenging to have confidence when you’re not feeling like yourself,” remarked Embiid.
In the previous season, Embiid appeared in just 39 regular-season games but was posting impressive statistics that he aspires to replicate. He averaged 34.7 points per game, shot 38.8% from beyond the arc (both career highs), collected 11 rebounds, dished out 5.6 assists per game, and logged nearly 34 minutes per contest.
However, this season has seen a decline in his numbers. Embiid’s playing time has been reduced to slightly over 30 minutes per game, with averages of 24.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, and a shooting percentage of 45% from the field.
As a result of his struggles, the Philadelphia 76ers currently hold a disappointing 20-35 record, ranking as the sixth-worst team in the NBA.
Embiid acknowledged that while he may not reach full health this season, he can still make a valuable contribution on the court in different ways. “I may not be as dominant as I was a few months ago, but that doesn’t mean I can’t impact the game significantly. Just my presence alone can make a difference – drawing double teams, creating opportunities for my teammates,” stated Embiid.
He added, “I will regain my dominant form. It’s just a challenging process when you know you have more to offer. There are no excuses; it’s just the reality. I must continue to find solutions and strive for improvement.”