Joel Embiid calls the press after his successful return

Eight months after his last match, Joel Embiid finally returned to the floor with the Sixers, during a 126-110 win against the Timberwolves’ replacement, including Joan Beringer (13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 blocks). It was just a preseason game, but in Philly, the simple presence of the 2023 MVP is enough to put a smile on everyone’s face!

“What I felt most of all was joy. He was so happy to be there and I was happy for him.” said Tyrese Maxey, the author of 27 points in 30 minutes to complete the preparation before the start of the regular season. “The first thing I asked him before we got on the field was, ‘So, are you excited?’ He said, ‘Yeah, man, I’m so happy, just to be here and to be able to play.’ So I’m really happy for him.”

Just happy to be doing what he loves

Absent since February 22 the last against the Nets, MFA 2023 a few weeks later he had to undergo arthroscopy on his left knee. After several weeks of training and a “fight” open to the public on Sunday, the Cameroonian was given the green light for this match against the Minnesota B team. Next to Adem Bonahis performance is promising: 14 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals and 4 turnovers in 18 minutes, 5/10 shooting, including 2/4 three-pointers.

“I don’t want to think too much about the past” Embiid said after the meeting. “I’m good mentally, physically…I’m just happy to touch the ball, play and do what I love. When you don’t have that anymore, it’s hard. So tonight I was just thinking about that: I’m on the court, I’m playing basketball, I’m helping the team win.”

Sharpened and without knee pads

Visibly sharp, Embiid moved freely and, above all, without the large knee brace that handicapped him so much last season. “I found it very good,” summarized by Nick Nourse. “He moved well, he shot well, he passed well. Honestly, there’s not much negative to say.”

Last season, the pivot played just 19 games (23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists), far from his MVP level. But this time, it looks like he’s on track to compete in next week’s season opener in Boston.

“I wouldn’t say I feel like I did when I was 18” joked Embiid, who suffered a minor knee scare after the fall. “But I take things day by day. Some days are good, others are a little more complicated. You have to learn, adapt and keep doing the right things.”

By the way, at the beginning of the season, the Cameroonian attacked the media that publish the Top 100. Used to being in the Top 10 for years, this season we find him in about 50th place…

“I see all these guys…” warns Embiid. “I’m here to help. According to a lot of your colleagues (in the media), I’m not even a top 100 player in this league. So I guess I just have to fit in and see how I can help the team win.”

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