CAMDEN, N.J. — The Philadelphia 76ers sure could use Joel Embiid on the floor. They are 7-17 without the big fella and have dropped to sixth place in the Eastern Conference.
The Sixers have had rebounding issues, on-court organizational issues and haven’t been able to find a rhythm. That’s what happens when a team is missing a guy who averages 35.3 points and 11.3 rebounds and can dominate a game in so many ways.
Despite being sidelined, Embiid is looking for ways to help the Sixers. For example, the big fella has made sure he uses his voice in specific moments. Tobias Harris, who has been struggling, received a talking to from Embiid as the reigning league MVP looks to help him out of his slump.
“Just by being here,” Embiid said of how he can help the Sixers. “Talking to the guys. Just trying to help them as much as possible. What I’ve learned being around is that my presence helps a lot. I just talked to Tobias for almost an hour the other day just trying to help him. He’s a good player. We all go through rough patches, and I’m sure he’s gonna come out of it.”
On the season, Harris is shooting 49.9% from the floor. That is a solid number and reflects the player he has been for the majority of his career. However, over the past five games, he’s shooting 31.3% from the floor and 23.5% from deep. The Sixers need him to get going again.
The Sixers as a whole benefit from having Embiid around. He is the face of the franchise. Despite this injury keeping him on the sideline, he has to find ways to contribute with his voice and his leadership.
“I think just my presence,” he continued. “Being around the team. Obviously, traveling is a little different because I gotta focus on my rehab, but as much as I can be around, that’s what I’m gonna do.”
While the Sixers would love to have Embiid back on the floor now, one person is enjoying having him home: Embiid’s son, Arthur.
“My family, just being around them — my wife, my son,” Embiid finished. “He’s loving it right now. I’m not going anywhere, I’m not doing anything. He’s getting too used to it. He doesn’t want me to leave the house anymore. It’s fun, just playing around. Obviously, he goes to school, but all day, just hanging out and doing a bunch of different stuff. Family time has been great and I’m sure they’re enjoying it, too.”
Embiid will likely return to the floor sometime in March.
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