Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid is one of the most talented players in the NBA, but health has prevented him from crossing the next milestone.
Entering the conversation for the greatest player of all-time.
Injuries have haunted Embiid since entering the NBA in 2014, as he was sidelined the first two years of his career. The 30-year-old has yet to appear in more than 70 games in a season, but there's no denying his skill when on the floor. The Sixers star has confidence that avoiding injuries would have entered his name in the G.O.A.T. debate.
“I think so, I think I’m that talented," Embiid told The New York Times. "If you think about it, the thing that stopped me all these years is just freak injuries. Every single playoffs, regular season, people falling on my knee or breaking my face — twice. It’s always freak injuries at the wrong time.”
Fans immediately pointed to the lack of postseason success as a flaw in the remark. The 76ers have not reached the Eastern Conference Finals a single time during Embiid's tenure. Many see the upcoming season as his opportunity to even the score with the other top big men around the league, such as Nikola Jokic, Anthony Davis, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Embiid appeared in just 39 games last season, averaging 34.7 points, 11 rebounds, and 5.6 assists on 52.9% shooting. These stats may have dropped with more appearances, but the near-consensus opinion is Embiid would have landed his second MVP if he met the games played requirement.
At 30 years old, this is Embiid's best shot to prove himself as a winner, having arguably the best-constructed roster of his career.
