The NBA is investigating Joel Embiid’s lack of availability for the Philadelphia 76ers, and Stephen A. Smith has an issue with it.
Shams Charania reported on Wednesday afternoon that the NBA is trying into Embiid’s absence from the 76ers’ defeat to the Milwaukee Bucks.
As per the participant participation coverage, the league usually investigates gamers who miss nationally televised video games.
There may be hypothesis that Embiid shouldn’t be truly injured, however as an alternative that the Philadelphia 76ers are merely resting him and plan to take action all through the 2024-25 season.
Right here’s what Stephen A. Smith needed to say concerning the controversial state of affairs.
Stephen A. Smith isn’t afraid to criticise gamers and groups however, on this event, he got here to Embiid and the Sixers’ defence.
Not solely does he fully disagree with the NBA however he even stated that Embiid’s absence must be the least of the league’s issues.
“If there may be one participant that shouldn’t require an investigation, it’s Joel Embiid,” Smith informed NBA Countdown on ESPN. “He’s missed 329 video games in his profession. He missed the primary two seasons of his profession.
“This man has had each damage recognized to man. The one issues he hasn’t had, that we all know of, are a coronary heart assault and a stroke. Every part else he’s had. Everyone knows this.
“So if you’re speaking about him doubtlessly being wholesome for the postseason, it makes good sense what the Sixers are doing as a result of he’s by no means wholesome.”
The 76ers’ plan for Embiid is to restrict his play all through the common season so that he’s as wholesome as potential come the postseason.
The seven-time NBA All-Star even stated that he would possibly by no means play one other back-to-back (two video games in consecutive days) final week.
Because of this he’s extremely unlikely to fulfill the NBA’s 65-game threshold to qualify for end-of-season awards such because the Most Precious Participant.
Certainly, the massive man might solely play 50 video games this season. However it is going to be price it if he can lead the 76ers to a primary NBA title since 1983.
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