Joel Embiid frustrated by limited playing time: “It’s like not playing at all”
Twenty minutes aren’t enough for Joel Embiid: the 76ers’ leader is pushing for more minutes, but the staff remains cautious after his summer surgery
Joel Embiid has spoken openly about his frustration with the minute restriction imposed by the Philadelphia 76ers’ medical staff. Following knee surgery this summer, the Cameroonian center has been closely monitored in the early games of the season, never exceeding 20 minutes on the floor.
On Saturday night, in the home win against the Charlotte Hornets, Embiid still showed flashes of his talent, finishing with 20 points in just as many minutes. Yet, he still feels he’s unable to truly make an impact.
I’d prefer not to have any limitations, but if I have to deal with them, better to do it now. When you play for two or three minutes and then have to come out, you can’t find your rhythm. It’s like not playing at all. At that point, I might as well stay home with my family
Joel Embiid
The big man added that while he understands the team’s cautious approach, the process isn’t easy to accept:
Playing for longer stretches allows you to let the game come to you. But at the same time, you could hit your minute limit by halftime. Sitting too long makes you lose conditioning. Being in shape is one thing — being in basketball shape is another. That’s why you have to play, and you have to play a lot
Joel Embiid
Head coach Nick Nurse also confirmed he has no update on when Embiid might be cleared to play more than 20 minutes:
Until they tell me otherwise, that’s the limit
Nick Nurse
For his part, Embiid seems determined to keep pushing for a larger role:
I have no idea. I make my request every day. If they listen, great. If not, it’s their call
Joel Embiid
Considering that Embiid played only 19 games last season and has never exceeded 68 in a regular season, the Sixers appear determined not to take any chances. Their goal is to have him at full strength when it matters most.
Actually the plan remains unchanged: on Monday, against the Orlando Magic, Embiid is expected to play another “20-minute stint.” And while the No. 21 is eager to return to full-time dominance, Philadelphia prefers not to rush the process.