Joel Embiid's recent absence from the court has sparked conversations among fans and analysts alike. The Philadelphia 76ers' center missed his fifth consecutive game on Sunday, citing shin soreness and load management.
This brings his total missed games this season to 26. However, his trainer, Drew Hanlen, remains unfazed by the situation.
Hanlen, who has been with Embiid since before his NBA debut, recently shared insights on The Kevin O’Connor Show. He emphasized a shift in Embiid's approach to injuries this season.
"In the past, if Joel was at 50%, he’d still play," Hanlen explained. "Now, he’s decided that if he’s not fully healthy, he’s not going to push it."
This change in mindset seems to be a strategic move for Embiid, who has often played through pain due to the pressure of not letting fans down. Hanlen's close relationship with Embiid gives him a unique perspective, and he believes this new approach is about preserving Embiid’s health for the long haul.
Embiid’s injury history is well-documented. He missed his first two NBA seasons due to a foot injury and has dealt with a series of setbacks, including a torn meniscus and an orbital fracture.
Despite these challenges, Embiid has managed to deliver dominant performances, even clinching an MVP title. Yet, his struggle to consistently surpass the 65-game mark in a season remains a point of concern.
Interestingly, Embiid’s recent absence is not just about current injuries but also about maintaining his health for the playoffs. After a year without skill workouts, he and Hanlen resumed training in December, which seemed to pay off. Since then, Embiid has been averaging 30 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.
The Sixers, however, are feeling the impact of Embiid’s absence, currently on a three-game losing streak. They recently lost to the New Orleans Pelicans, 126-111, and are holding onto the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference with the Miami Heat close behind.
While Embiid prioritizes being fit for a potential playoff run, the Sixers face the challenge of securing their spot. The balance between resting Embiid and needing his presence on the court is delicate, but the ultimate goal remains clear: a healthy Embiid leading the charge in the playoffs. Only time will tell if this strategy will pay off for the Sixers.