Joel Embiid emerged as a Philadelphia 76ers player after the 2014 NBA draft, yet after joining the Sixers, he could not start for them due to foot and knee injuries.
Thus, due to this development, sentiments arose among NBA spectators that Embiid might need to be more dependable if he wants to play for the Sixers, pressuring the young star.
Imagine starting your dream career with an unexpected setback that weighs you down physically and mentally. One could give up after that experience, yet it was different for Joel Embiid.
The Philadelphia 76ers MVP’s Shocker Despite His Injuries
After suffering an injury two years into his career, Joel Embiid made his debut for the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016–2017 NBA season.
Though he was on minutes restriction and injury management, he averaged 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks in 31 games. Also, this promising result wasn’t bad for a rookie season.
While injury-prone, Joel still played more games for the Sixers and elevated the basketball club to championship contenders, which earned him the face of the Philadelphia 76ers and an NBA MVP.
Thus, anytime Joel Embiid played for the Sixers, he’d always deliver good results, maintaining the Sixers’ competitive nature for the NBA championship. Then, in the 2023–24 playoff season, a controversy arose.
Philadelphia 76ers 2023/24 NBA Playoff Controversies
Who would be the true face of the Sixers now?
Joel suffered injuries and missed some vital games during the 2023–24 NBA regular season, which made NBA spectators question his consistency as the MVP and Face of the Sixers.
Yet, despite these sentiments, Joel turned up for the 76ers during this playoff series against the New York Knicks.
Still, Joel Embiid’s Face of Philadelphia title is under review as a new NBA draft Tyrese Maxey also fights consistently to force the Sixers into the next round of the playoff series.
This Face of Philadelphia controversy arose after an incredible Game 5 win against the Knicks, where Joel bagged a triple-double.
Despite Joel’s outstanding performance, he commended Tyrese Maxey for his playoff performance in Game 5.
Tyrese Maxey scored 46 points as the Philadelphia 76ers stunned the New York Knicks 112-106 in overtime to keep their Eastern Conference playoff first-round hopes alive.
With Joel Embiid’s injury management during the playoff series, he averaged 35 points, 9 rebounds, and 5.5 assists in the first four games and claimed a triple-double in the fifth game.
Joel Embiid's impact vs. the Knicks 😳 pic.twitter.com/tRjbu1fSuK
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 1, 2024
With these stats, Joel Embiid could have an outstanding career if not for his injury management, because to maintain an MVP title, an NBA player should consistently perform well when on the podium, which is an expectation for him.
However, Maxey looks attractive this playoff season, which gives him a little edge over Joel to be the face of the Philadelphia 76ers title. Yet, could Maxey be consistent?
I believe Joel Embiid still deserves the MVP and Face of the Sixers titles because he elevated the Sixers to championship contenders, encouraging other Sixers players to maintain the team’s competitive nature until Maxey’s up-and-coming playoff stardom.
About the Author
Wisdom is an email and brand copywriter with 2 years of content writing experience. He started Cloud Kitchen Concept to help startups and business owners elevate their brands from good to great. You can connect with him on LinkedIn and Instagram to enjoy cooked meals for your business’s growth.
