Sixers’ Joel Embiid Fires Back At Those Who Suggest He Doesn’t Want To Play

Could 76ers center Joel Embiid be closing in on his season debut? Well, it sure sounds that way.

While Embiid and forward Paul George aren’t playing Saturday vs. the Grizzlies, Embiid did at least take part in a five-on-five scrimmage for the first time this season on Friday.

Per ESPN: “Sources said that Friday served as the first time Embiid has completed a 5-on-5 scrimmage session with all his teammates.

“Embiid has prioritized returning when he feels fully comfortable with his left knee, and he appears to be close to his season debut. He was limited to 39 games last season, mostly because of knee surgery after tearing the meniscus in his left knee Jan. 30 against Golden State.”

Embiid told reporters the team is taking a wise approach to his return/debut.

“Everybody has been on the same page,” Embiid said. “If your body doesn’t react well, and if your body tells you one thing [sit out]. I’ve done it. From what I can tell you, I’ve broken my face twice, I came back early with the risk of losing my vision. I have broken fingers. I still came back. When I see people say, ‘He doesn’t want to play,’ I’ve done way too much for this city, putting myself at risk, for people to be saying that.”

Needless to say, the Sixers have been incredibly up and down without their two brightest stars this side of Tyrese Maxey. It’s to be expected.