Behind Embiid’s Return Is Simon Rice: The Untold Story
After months of doubts and criticism, Joel Embiid finds himself again. His performance against the Pelicans marks a technical and emotional turning point for the 76ers
After a long wait and countless questions about his future, Joel Embiid has returned to looking like the version that once dominated the NBA on the way to an MVP award. The Philadelphia 76ers center powered a 124-114 win over the New Orleans Pelicans with a 40-point double-double, allowing Nick Nurse’s team to extend its winning streak to three games.
A performance that goes beyond the final score. Following his return from injury, Embiid had struggled to regain rhythm and consistency, fueling doubts about his physical condition and his ability to get back to an elite level. Saturday night, however, represented a turning point – both on the court and emotionally.
In the postgame, the Sixers’ No. 21 shared a heartfelt message, reflecting on the difficult rehab process and thanking those who stood by him during the toughest moments, especially Simon Rice, a key figure on the staff.
We did it. We found the right balance in the daily program to make me feel ready and in good condition. His name almost never comes up, but Simon Rice was probably the key person in all of this.
Joel Embiid
Embiid admitted how close he came to feeling abandoned, stressing the importance of the behind-the-scenes work done by the medical and technical staff – often far from the spotlight, yet decisive in his return.
I think almost everyone had stopped believing in me. He was the only one who kept looking for solutions. That’s why I’m deeply grateful to him: he was my point of reference. No one will ever talk about him, but he’s the person who made the difference.
Joel Embiid
Those words carry even more weight in light of a recent past marked by injuries, which had limited Embiid to just 58 total appearances since his MVP season, putting his long-term elite continuity in the NBA at risk.
The latest performances confirm the positive trend: 37 points against Sacramento, 38 points and 11 rebounds versus New York, and now a dominant showing against New Orleans. Encouraging signs for a team currently sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference, aiming to solidify its playoff position.
With Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey playing at a high level, the 76ers remain a dangerous wild card in the East. The extended absence of Paul George, suspended for 25 games, will force role players to step up. But if this is the new version of Embiid, dreaming big is once again fair game in Philadelphia.