Numerous NBA fans are raising questions regarding the 76ers’ choice to provide Joel Embiid with a three-year, $193 million extension in September. However, as one insider revealed, the organization conducted thorough due diligence before finalizing the deal.
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported, “The team and Embiid had sought half a dozen medical opinions before signing him to a three-year, $192.7M extension this September, sources said, and all of those consulted believed his knee could be adequately managed by a combination of strategic rest and procedures to promote healing, which Embiid has been regularly undergoing since last season.”
Given that Embiid has missed two full seasons while with the 76ers, the skepticism surrounding the extension is understandable.
Nonetheless, the 76ers recognized this concern when they made the decision to sign the star center and were confident in their ability to manage his health, despite the associated risks, as highlighted by The Athletic’s Sam Amick.
Amick detailed: “‘Yes we knew’ and that there was a confidence level in their ability to manage it going forward. They acknowledge that the odds are okay, they’re not great. They felt good enough about it to do the deal.’”
Thus far in the season, Embiid has only played in four games.
The 76ers started the season with the fourth-best odds to win the championship, but their current standing is uncertain.
New addition Paul George has also been plagued with injuries, having participated in only eight games so far.
Regarding the 76ers’ Big Three—comprised of Embiid, George, and Tyrese Maxey—they have only managed to play together in one game this season, totaling just over six minutes on the court.
Image Source: Joel Embiid @ Instagram
