PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Joel Embiid spent two full seasons and chunks of so many others recovering, rehabbing, even resting — thanks, load management — during his NBA career that the Philadelphia 76ers star should by now almost be used to sitting on the sidelines.
The consequences of the time off from his latest injury, a torn meniscus in his left knee that needed surgery and cost him two months of the season, hit different.
“Usually, when I have injuries, I just tell myself, ‘Move on to the next one. Get better and fix it,’” Embiid said. “This one, it took a toll mentally. Being depressed. It was not a good one. Still not where I’m supposed to be, especially mentally. But I just love to play. Love basketball and I want to play. Any chance that I can be out there, I’m going to take it.”
Embiid at least felt the love in Philly.
He was warmly greeted by Hall of Famer Allen Iverson and nearly 21,000 Sixers fans that roared for his introduction and chanted “MVP! MVP!” throughout the game in his first game in nine weeks. Embiid scored 24 points, had seven assists, six rebounds and made the decisive four free throws in the final 40 seconds that led the 76ers to a 109-105 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night.
