The Philadelphia 76ers wrapped up a disappointing finish to the 2023-24 season. The Sixers entered the playoffs as the No. 7 seed and were bounced in the first round by the New York Knicks in six tough games.
The reason the Sixers were the seventh seed was Joel Embiid missed 43 games and they were 16-27 without him. He missed February and March due to a meniscus injury, and Philadelphia went into a free fall without him. The Sixers were 31-8 when he played.
Former Sixers big man Dwight Howard hopped on “The OGs Show” and had some advice for Embiid:
He’s 7’2”, 7’3”, and he got the handles, he can shoot 3s. He’s 390 — like he is big.
I think he’s too heavy for the wear and tear of the NBA season. I think if he lost about 20 points, it’ll be great for his knees. He’ll be able to play a couple more years longer. He’ll be faster. He’ll probably be able to jump higher. I did go through a season where I lost weight. I lost 30 pounds in 30 days. The next year I came back with the Lakers and I was a lot leaner. I was a lot faster–jumping like I was 19 again. I really believe that if he loses that weight, he’ll be more mobile. I think it’ll be smart.
“I think he’s too heavy for the wear and tear of an NBA season…” (@DwightHoward)
Watch full episode here: https://t.co/hsZXWh7NWL pic.twitter.com/ELqOXwctGt
— The OGs Show (@theOGsShow) May 8, 2024
Embiid has done a better job of taking care of his body and being more available for the Sixers on a nightly basis. Unfortunately, he suffered a freak injury and Philadelphia was unable to recover. Howard brings up a good point about losing weight, but Embiid has been ahead of that curve for quite some time now.
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