Joel Embiid loses weight, focuses on well being over accolades
Joel Embiid revealed at media day that he misplaced between 25 to 30 kilos through the offseason, emphasizing his dedication to staying wholesome and prepared for the lengthy grind of the NBA season.
Embiid, who performed in simply 39 video games through the 2023-24 season, handled accidents that considerably impacted his availability. This marked a pointy distinction to his MVP-winning marketing campaign in 2022-23, the place he performed 66 video games and led the league in scoring.
Nonetheless, all through his playoff profession, Embiid has battled numerous accidents, limiting his effectiveness and stopping him from being at his peak within the postseason. Final season, Embiid returned from a torn meniscus in time for the playoffs, however his well being remained a priority.
“I nonetheless have a methods to go,” stated Embiid about his offseason weight reduction. “I nonetheless need to lose extra, however it’s a course of. I feel for me and Daryl [Morey] will let you know this as quickly as we misplaced final yr, I simply texted him, ‘Now we have to do no matter it takes to ensure I get a full season in well being.’ This yr, there’s no agenda. There’s no All-Star. There’s no All-NBA. There’s none of that. It’s no matter it takes to ensure I get to that time the place I’m able to go.”
The Philadelphia 76ers received 54 video games final season regardless of Embiid enjoying simply 39 whole video games, largely because of the efforts of Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris, and a robust supporting solid. The group’s success, even with out Embiid for a lot of the season, highlighted the depth and resilience of the roster.
Nonetheless, the Sixers have upgraded additional through the offseason, making a sequence of high-profile strikes to bolster their championship aspirations. The acquisition of Paul George gives a reputable star to pair with Embiid, giving the Sixers a formidable two-way menace.
Caleb Martin, coming off a breakout season with the Miami Warmth, provides a flexible, athletic wing who can rating and defend at a excessive stage.
In the meantime, the signing of veteran massive man Andre Drummond offers the group a dependable backup heart who can anchor the protection and supply rebounding in Embiid’s absence.
With these new additions and Embiid’s renewed deal with staying wholesome for the total season, the Sixers are positioning themselves as critical contenders within the Japanese Convention.
Embiid’s mindset, shifting away from particular person accolades and towards long-term well being and postseason success, aligns with the group’s broader targets of securing a championship.
The hope is {that a} leaner, more healthy Embiid, mixed with a retooled roster, will give Philadelphia the firepower and sturdiness it must make a deep playoff run.
Joel Embiid Misplaced 25+ Kilos In Offseason, Dedicated To Growing Odds Of Well being In Playoffs https://t.co/kzSLk3MIDd
— RealGM (@RealGM) September 30, 2024
