Latest news with #JoelEmbiid
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
LeBron trade proposal involves Paul George going to Lakers, Sixers teaming James with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, ex-Baylor Bear V.J. Edgecombe
The Los Angeles Lakers' latest move, signing Marcus Smart to a two-year, $11 million contract, was one Luka Doncic, not LeBron James, personally signed off on. It's clear that the power has shifted in L.A., and James may not be willing to stick around as a swayless second fiddle. FOX Sports proposed several potential James trades to address the situation. One of them would involve LeBron taking a 'leap of faith' and waiving his no-trade clause to okay a move to the Philadelphia 76ers to play with an oft-injured and aging former MVP big man (Joel Embiid) and a young core (Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, VJ Edgecombe). 'James and the 76ers could be a match for a variety of reasons,' FOX Sports' staff wrote. 'For starters, Philadelphia is better than its 24-58 record last season, as the prolonged absences of Joel Embiid and Paul George played an enormous role in that outcome. As a result of their nightmare 2024-25, the 76ers got the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft — assisted by a bump in the NBA Draft Lottery — and selected Baylor standout VJ Edgecombe. They also have 2024 first-rounder Jared McCain returning from a knee injury and could still re-sign restricted free agent Quentin Grimes, who broke out to average a career-high 21.9 points per game in 28 contests after the 76ers acquired him in February. 'Put James with star guard Tyrese Maxey and Philadelphia's compelling young core, and the 76ers should be at least a top-eight seed in an Eastern Conference reeling in injuries (e.g. the Indiana Pacers with Tyrese Haliburton and the Boston Celtics with Jayson Tatum). Plus, if Embiid can return at some point during the season, Philadelphia then has a three-headed scoring monster in Embiid, Maxey and James and is a legitimate threat in the East. This is a franchise built to contend right now. Of course, that potential being realized is heavily reliant on health. 'Philadelphia could base a trade package for James around George and a future unprotected first-round pick (2030). The Lakers get an immediate replacement for James in George and future draft capital for their troubles, while the 76ers shed future payroll and embark on a compelling, short-term experiment. And Philadelphia certainly qualifies as a big market, likely to James' desire. 'All that said, holding out hope for both Embiid being close to 100% for the postseason and Philadelphia's young nucleus making a drastic jump would involve James taking a major leap of faith.' A healthy Embiid may have been enough to entice James to play in the City of Brotherly Love. James as the Magic Johnson to Embiid's Kareem Abdul-Jabar could've made for electric hoops, especially with young shooters and secondary playmakers like Maxey, McCain, and Edgecombe around him. Alas, the Lakers appear set to stick with James. Yahoo Sports' Chris Cwik asserted that the Athletic's report on James planning to go to training camp 'should presumably end rumors suggesting James could leave the franchise ahead of his 23rd season in the NBA.' And yet, that pesky ESPN story and LeBron opting into the remaining year on his contract will always give James trade rumors juice.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Where does Sixers star Joel Embiid rank on top 100 players list?
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has accomplished a lot in his career. Despite the injuries holding him back at the most inopportune times, the superstar big man has led the league in scoring twice, won the MVP award in 2023, and finished second in MVP in 2021 and 2022. Embiid was on his way to winning MVP again in 2024 as he was dominating at such a high level. He was closing games out in the third quarter and sitting out the fourth. He was playing at an other-worldly level before suffering the knee injury in January of that year. When looking at Embiid's career, Bleacher Report ranked him No. 66 on their top 100 players of all time list: The best stretch of Embiid's career came from 2020-21 to 2022-23, when he finished second, second and first in MVP voting and was the clear top challenger to Nikola Jokić's incredible run during that same span. Embiid had loads of physical advantages when healthy, including balletic footwork, shooting touch and pure strength. But he also developed serious craft and led the league in made free throws three times and is the current all-time leader in career free-throw makes per game at 8.3. With games played totals of 39 in 2023-24 and just 19 this past season, Embiid is struggling to stay on the floor more than ever. He's a Hall of Famer if he never plays another game. When looking back at Embiid's career whenever he does decide to hang it up, one will likely believe it was more of a "what if?" type of situation. If only the big fella had ever stayed healthy for one playoff run, he probably would have led the Sixers to their first venture past Round 2 since the 2001 run to the finals led by Allen Iverson. Instead, the Sixers are waiting to see if Embiid will be healthy and ready to go for the 2025-26 season after undergoing a second knee surgery in a span of 14 months back in April.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Sixers star Tyrese Maxey has a message for the doubters on Twitter
The Philadelphia 76ers had a tough 2024-25 season as they were ravaged by injuries and finished 24-58 in what was a disastrous season. The Sixers will be looking for better health in the upcoming season while also looking for more success on the floor. With Joel Embiid and Paul George injured for a majority of the 2024-25 season, a lot of the pressure fell to Tyrese Maxey. The dynamic guard out of Kentucky averaged 26.3 points, but his field goal percentage and 3-point percentage dropped from previous seasons. His efficiency fell as defenses shifted their focus to slowing him down. There have been a lot of doubters about the Sixers on social media in recent weeks so Maxey took to Twitter to share a message to those who are doubting. Maxey and the Sixers still need to figure out rotations and such, but that will come in training camp in September. On paper, this is a talented roster that can match up with anybody in the East. It will just come down to whether they are all healthy or not.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Former 76ers star uncovers brutal truth about Joel Embiid's Injury Ordeal - "I have no idea how he could even walk!"
Joel Embiid (Image via Facebook / @Joel Embii) Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has long been admired for his dominance on the court, but new information reveals just how much he has endured to stay there. Recently, former teammate Nicolas Batum shed light on the full extent of Embiid's health challenges—offering a sobering account of pain, perseverance, and the physical sacrifices behind the scenes. The picture that emerges is one of extraordinary endurance in the face of adversity that was largely hidden from public view. How Joel Embiid's Career Has Been Plagued by Injuries Injuries have shadowed Joel Embiid's entire career, starting with a stress fracture in college that delayed his NBA debut by two full seasons. Over the years, the list has only grown longer: meniscus tears, bone bruises, shoulder sprains, orbital fractures, tendinitis, and most recently, a battle with Bell's Palsy—a condition that can cause facial paralysis, vision issues, and debilitating migraines. The 2023–24 season marked a low point. A torn meniscus required surgery in February 2024, yet Embiid rushed back for the playoffs—far from full strength and clearly laboring. He managed just 19 appearances in the 2024–25 season, falling well short of his MVP standard. Inside the Locker Room: Batum Speaks Out Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers (Image via Getty) The full extent of Joel Embiid's physical condition was kept mostly under wraps—until Batum spoke with ESPN's Dotun Akintoye. His firsthand account was striking. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo 'I saw his knee before every game, after every game,' Batum revealed. 'I have no idea how he could even walk.' The repeated astonishment in Batum's words emphasized that Embiid's condition wasn't just painful—it was nearly unplayable. Unseen Pain and Systemic Breakdown Beyond the knee, Embiid dealt with blurry vision, headaches, and chronic insomnia due to his left eye failing to close at night. His swollen knee required relentless care, and insiders suggest the true scope of his suffering went well beyond public reports. 'It's his knee, it's his eye, it's his whole system,' a Sixers team therapist explained, highlighting how the superstar's body was struggling on multiple fronts. Despite the severity of his condition, Embiid rarely spoke about it. His silence masked ongoing grief, sleep deprivation, and moments where he considered whether he could continue at all. Fallout for the Sixers Embiid's compromised health had immediate consequences. The Sixers finished with just 24 wins in 2024–25—missing the playoffs for the first time in eight years. Embiid's individual stats (23.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game) were still impressive by league standards, but far from the dominance fans had come to expect. Glimmers of Hope Despite the grim details, there is cautious optimism within the Sixers organization. Team president Daryl Morey recently confirmed that Embiid is progressing well in rehab and is expected to be ready for training camp in September 2025. With the return of Tyrese Maxey and the addition of Paul George, Philadelphia hopes to reignite its championship ambitions—if Embiid can stay healthy. Also read: Damian Lillard Returns to Portland Trail Blazers on Three-Year, $42 Million Deal Featuring No-Trade Clause Joel Embiid's journey is now defined not just by stats or accolades, but by the sheer resilience he's shown in the face of relentless adversity. The recent revelations from Batum and others lift the veil on what Embiid has truly endured—offering a deeper appreciation for a player whose fight to compete has been as remarkable as his game itself. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former NBA champion warns 76ers about Tyrese Maxey's future
The Philadelphia 76ers are in a tough position, and it might soon cost them. Last season, the 76ers were expected to be near the top of the Eastern Conference and competing for a spot in the NBA Finals. Instead, Joel Embiid missed the majority of the season, while Paul George and Tyrese Maxey each dealt with their own injuries, leading to the 76ers' demise. While the team was bad enough to get the No. 3 pick and take V.J. Edgecombe, there is still no clarity on the team's health and potential to bounce back. These recent developments have led many to criticize Daryl Morey and the 76ers as they move forward. One of those critics is former NBA champion and ESPN personality Kendrick Perkins. On Thursday's First Take, Perkins didn't hold back about the franchise's potentially grim future. 'They're on the clock when it comes down to Tyrese Maxey,' Perkins said. 'And when I say 'on the clock,' because if they keep trending in this direction of no culture and no stability, guess what? Tyrese Maxey is gonna want out of Philadelphia.' Those are strong words from one of the strongest personalities in NBA media, but he's likely correct. Considering how much power stars have in today's league, the 76ers need to prove to Maxey that they can compete on a consistent basis and have stars on the floor around him. As Embiid and George are both recovering from injuries, that isn't a guarantee the 76ers are in a position to make anytime soon. Philadelphia will be leaning heavily on Maxey next season to keep the team afloat in a wide-open Eastern Conference, but that load could be more than the young star guard wants to handle, and it could lead to his eventual exit, as Perkins said.
