Joel Embiid has been quite possibly the most interesting and mesmerizing NBA player on and off the court this season, with his seemingly limitless potential, rapid development and his status as the most interesting NBA player on social media that we have probably ever seen.
After two seasons of recovery and rehabilitation for a chronic foot issue and plenty of jokes about “The Process” and the fact that he may never really play or contribute in the NBA, he has flipped the narrative and is now hands down rookie of the year and one of the most valued assets in the entire NBA.
Embiid is averaging 19.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in just over 25 minutes per game and his production has only increased as he has been given more court time. Also the restrictions the 76ers have had in place for their prized possession have been removed.
Apparently the full wrath of Embiid’s fury won’t be unleashed this season though as the 76ers have confirmed that Embiid will be limited to no more than 28 minutes in a game for the second half of the season as well.
Brown made this clear when asked by a reporter about the situation on Tuesday morning after practice:
#Sixers Brown: 'I don't believe there is' a possibility Embiid's minutes increase from 28 minutes this season.
— Tom Moore (@TomMoorePhilly) January 17, 2017
Although that is sad news for NBA fans and Embiid’s fantasy owners, (he is averaging 28-10-3.5 per 36 minutes) it is the right and only move for an organization that needs to protect its prized possession that wasn’t even able to take the floor his first two seasons in the NBA.
Overextending Embiid for a team that has almost no chance to make the postseason (even though Embiid thinks so) makes very little sense.
Hopefully this will ensure that we get to enjoy the wonders of “The Process” for many years to come.
