Joel Embiid Situation Could Rid NBA of Superstars as We Know Them

NBA: Philadelphia 76ers at Memphis Grizzlies — Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Everybody has had something to say about Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid since the season tipped off back in late October.

It’s been a nightmare start to the campaign for Embiid, who missed Philadelphia’s first nine games because of a knee injury and a three-game suspension that resulted from the 30-year-old shoving a reporter.

Since his return, Embiid has averaged 19.8 points and 7.5 rebounds across four games — well below his career averages of 27.8 points and 11.1 rebounds. The 76ers are 0-4 with Embiid in the lineup and sit at 2-12 overall.

What has left a sour taste in everyone’s mouth has been Embiid’s attitude, though. Yes, pushing a reporter was bad, but there’s apparently been more going on behind the scenes, too.

ESPN reported Tuesday that Philadelphia held a team meeting following a 106-89 loss to the Miami Heat on Monday, and during said get together, guard Tyrese Maxey singled out Embiid for being late “for everything” and discussed the effect that it has on the locker room.

Never a good sign when the 24-year-old carries the flags of professionalism and maturity for your franchise.

Embiid, the 2023 MVP, isn’t the first superstar to have injuries or attitude problems derail his career, and he certainly won’t be the last. He is, however, one of the most glaring examples in recent memory of who you don’t want leading your team.

Kawhi Leonard, Paul George — now Embiid’s teammate — and even Kevin Durant have all been slowed down by injuries during their careers, while Kyrie Irving and James Harden are among those who have let their emotions get the best of them at times.

Embiid has the best of both worlds. Or the worst of both worlds, we should say.

And players like Embiid aren’t going to just magically go away. Superstars like the Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are few and far between. Those guys actually want to be out on the floor for 82 of 82 games. The same can’t be said for everyone.

Not every case will be as extreme as Embiid’s, but as time goes on, superstars won’t be the workhorses they once were. It might not always be because of personal preference, either. Coaches are going to be perfectly fine with playing prospects for 60 games a season in the hopes that it extends their careers.

If 60 games this season leads to 55 10 seasons from now, then so be it. Get ready to see load management flourish.

So, hold those superstars who are out there every night near and dear to your heart. They might be an extinct breed sooner than you think.

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