Joel Embiid’s fall from grace: from MVP to forgotten star

For Joel Embiid, silence might be the loudest headline. Once seen as the future of the Philadelphia 76ers and one of the most dominant big men in the NBA, the 2023 MVP now finds himself fading into the shadows.

Injuries and reputation

Embiid has never played more than 68 games in a regular season, his career defined by recurring knee issues and long absences. But injuries aren’t the only factor. Critics point to questionable work ethic, poor diet, and weight concerns that have only added stress to his already fragile knees. Along the way, fractured relationships with teammates and repeated off-court controversies have chipped away at his reputation.

Fighting through pain

Determined to prove himself, Embiid has chosen to play through lingering pain in his left knee — the same injury that limited him to just 19 games last season. This year, he’s appeared in only 11 of the Sixers’ first 25 contests, far from the 65-game threshold required under the new collective bargaining agreement to qualify for individual awards. In fact, he’s only reached that mark twice in his 10-year career.

The talent is still there: Embiid is averaging 20.2 points per game, including a 39-point outburst against the Pacers. But the efficiency tells another story — just 42% from the field and a troubling 22% from three, with nearly five attempts per night. His rebounding has plummeted to 6.6 per game, the lowest of his career, reflecting diminished explosiveness and vertical power.

The shift in Philadelphia

For a franchise that hasn’t reached the Eastern Conference Finals since 2001, Embiid was supposed to be the savior. Instead, his MVP trophy and two scoring titles feel hollow against the Sixers’ lack of playoff success. Now, Tyrese Maxey has emerged as the team’s true star, averaging 31.5 points, over seven assists, and shooting nearly 40% from deep.

Embiid, meanwhile, is left battling injuries, fading production, and a $55 million salary that ties Philadelphia’s future to a player who no longer resembles the dominant force he once promised to be.

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