NBA Power Rankings: Orlando season restart edition

This season hasn’t gone well for Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid. Due to injuries and suspension, Embiid has appeared in only 13 games. Despite all of that, and Embiid’s lengthy injury history, the Sixers remain committed to their franchise player.

“We’re still really happy with Joel,” 76ers majority owner Josh Harris told The Athletic. “He’s a warrior. I’ve seen this. He’s fought through a lot of injuries. You remember when we started, in his first (two) years, he didn’t play at all. And then, in his third year, he played 30-something games. And then, he fought through all of that, and became the MVP. So, he’s fighting right now, and we’re fighting. And I’m hopeful and optimistic that we’ll get through.

“I want him to get his body right and get on the court. If he gets back on the court, everything’s going to fall into place. I know him as a person, and I know him as an individual, and I know how hard he’s working. I think he’s also super-smart and very in-tune with his body. He has a whole team around him, and we have a whole team around him. He’s getting the absolute best care and best advice. I’m hopeful that he’ll fight through this and make it happen, and that’s what we’re going to plan for right now.”

The 76ers don’t believe that Embiid’s knee will require surgery. The team also doesn’t think extended rest will help the veteran center to get back on the court. The Sixers think Embiid is better off when he’s actively engaged in ramping up to play.