The biggest question surrounding Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid continues to be whether he can stay in shape or not and be ready for when the games matter the most. He has had issues keeping his weight down in the past and it continues to be a conversation amongst Sixers fans.
Coach Brett Brown understands all of that as well and he detailed the conversations he has had with the big man in terms of how he’s feeling for the playoffs.
“Joel is always a topic, we get it,” Brown said. “The importance that he represents as being a complete parallel to ‘can you win a championship or not?’ is real.”
The two have maintained a dialogue since the season went into suspension and Brown says that he is ready to return and get down to a weight that is suitable for him.
“I’ve had many conversations with Jo and he’s got a real desire to be at a playing weight that equals his best since he’s been in the league,” Brown explained. “With the restrictions that everybody has whether you live in a home with a yard or you’ve got a one-bedroom apartment and have to take those parameters and go ‘OK, what does fitness look like?’, our staff has been all over this part of it where we give the players the best that we can give.”
In terms of his workload, Brown did say that he would like Embiid to be close to, but under, 40 minutes in the playoffs. Whenever the playoffs do begin and the 2019-20 season can resume, the team is going to have their eyes on the big fella and make sure they are ready to roll. [lawrence-related id=31070,31057,31050]