The mission in Philly has shifted gears, folks. It's no longer just about dominating the regular season or stacking up awards.
The focus is squarely on April, May, and pushing deep into June. Joel Embiid, who has already reached the pinnacle with an MVP win, is now setting his sights on something bigger.
After another season marred by injuries, Embiid's mindset is clear: championships over individual accolades, and being available when it matters most.
For a franchise that's seen its title hopes dashed repeatedly, this new message feels significant. On February 19, Embiid, through his trainer Drew Hanlen, hinted at his willingness to trade personal glory for a healthy postseason.
"I would trade my MVP for one healthy postseason run because I think that if I’m healthy, I’m dominant enough that I would carry us to win a championship," he shared. This statement underscores a strategic pivot for the Sixers.
Timing is everything. The Philadelphia 76ers announced that Embiid would sit out the February 19 game against the Atlanta Hawks due to right knee management and shin soreness. Reports from ESPN reveal a conservative approach: skipping back-to-backs, embracing load management, and prioritizing the playoffs over the regular season grind.
Despite playing just 19 games last season due to knee issues, Embiid is still delivering impressive numbers, averaging 26.6 points on 49.4% shooting. This deliberate approach is all about ensuring he's at his best when the stakes are highest.
Post-All-Star break, the 76ers face a daunting schedule with five back-to-back sets in February and March. This is where caution is key.
Embiid is set to be re-evaluated ahead of the back-to-back games in New Orleans and Minnesota, but don't expect him to play in most of these scenarios. This has been the strategy all year.
Complicating matters is Paul George's suspension until March 25, which tightens the rotation even further. But Philly is playing the long game, prioritizing health in April over headlines in March. The Sixers are clearly focused on making a deep postseason run, understanding that a healthy Embiid could be their ticket to a championship.