SUMMARY
- Gilbert Arenas was not impressed with Joel Embiid's decision to come back from injury and play against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
- Arenas believes Embiid cannot help his team win a championship so there was no point of returning this season.
Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas gave his verdict on Joel Embiid’s return to the court. Embiid, who was out due to a knee injury for over two months, made his comeback against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2, 2024. Arenas believes Embiid is making a mistake trying to come back early from his injury as there is no scope of him having a positive impact on the Philadelphia 76ers’ season.
The 76ers are languishing in eighth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 41-35 record. They do not have many games in hand to turn around their fortunes. Arenas thinks even if Embiid helps them win all of their remaining games in the regular season, they will suffer.
Speaking about Embiid’s return, Arenas, on his podcast Gil’s Arena, said, “What’s his upside?… You know, he was the MVP player, first-team right, scoring champ, and lost it all. Your team suffered, you guys are in eighth spot, you’re going to win you might go 7-0, 6-1 and still be in eighth-ninth spot.”
(Watch from 33:10 minutes)
Further, he claimed that they were never a championship-contending team this season. “So, my question was always do you think you can win a championship right? When they were healthy, no, they was not a championship contender right?
“Once they lost James Harden no one’s like let’s worry about them in the championship. So, the fact that you do have a guy who’s not fully 100%, right, he’s coming back from injury what is the purpose? What can he do that makes the organization feel like this was a great year? Nothing.”
Embiid, however, did make a successful return for the 76ers. He helped his team register their second win in two games.
Joel Embiid made a successful return with 24 points in a 109-105 win over Oklahoma City Thunder
Embiid last stepped on the court on January 30, 2024, against the Golden State Warriors. The 76ers lost that match 107-119 and Embiid tore his meniscus in his left knee. The Cameroonian player underwent surgery a week later and his return date was up in the air.
A triumphant return for Joel Embiid as the Sixers knocked off OKC at home. pic.twitter.com/wSQ6DmthPA
— Sports on Max (@SportsonMax) April 3, 2024
Not too long ago, he was spotted training on the court with his team. 76ers coach Nick Nurse had given a positive update about Embiid and he finally made his much-awaited return against the Thunder.
Embiid scored 24 points and registered 7 assists and 6 rebounds in a triumphant return to the game. The 76ers defeated the Thunder 109-105. The Cameroonian played 29 minutes and did not look in much discomfort.
Joel Embiid is on the “questionable” list for the match against the Miami Heat
The 76ers have added six names to their injury list before they face the Miami Heat on April 4, 2023. There are two players listed as “out”: Robert Covington and De’Anthony Melton. Moreover, four players are listed as “questionable”: Mo Bamba, Tobias Harris, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid.
Sixers center Joel Embiid (left knee injury recovery), guard Tyrese Maxey (left hip tightness) and forward Tobias Harris (left knee hyperextension) are listed as questionable for Thursday’s game against the Miami Heat. pic.twitter.com/fROXp9JwxT
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) April 3, 2024
The Heat occupy the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference table with a record of 42-33. The Jimmy Butler-led side is on a three-match win streak and would be hoping to continue rising the ranks in the table.