In a league filled with elite talent and fierce competition, Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid has emerged as one of the most dominant players in the NBA. However, it hasn't always been smooth sailing for the 7-foot center. Ime Udoka, who was an assistant coach with the 76ers last year, saw firsthand that Embiid was not living up to his full potential.
Despite being an All-Star and one of the best big men in the game, Udoka noticed that Embiid lacked consistency and discipline. He observed Embiid spending his time playing video games and indulging in unhealthy habits instead of focusing on his physical condition. Udoka knew that for Embiid to truly excel and carry a franchise, he needed to be in peak shape every night.
Udoka, who had previously coached superstar players like LaMarcus Aldridge and Tim Duncan during his time with the San Antonio Spurs, didn't hold back in his assessment of Embiid's abilities. He told Embiid that he had the same, if not more, talent than those players, but he needed to improve his consistency. Udoka made it his mission to push Embiid and train him to reach the elite level of an MVP.
During the 2020 pandemic, when the NBA season was put on hold, Udoka and Embiid worked tirelessly together. They trained at the house of former co-owner Michael Rubin, clocking in hours upon hours in the gym to prepare for the restart of the season in the NBA bubble in Orlando. Udoka's guidance and drills focused on teaching Embiid how to elevate his game and become a dominant force on the court.
While Embiid has achieved remarkable milestones since then, such as two straight scoring titles, last season's MVP award, and a franchise record of 17 straight games with 30 points and 10 rebounds, his journey hasn't been without setbacks. Staying healthy has been an ongoing issue for the 29-year-old center. Recently, he missed three games due to left knee inflammation, leaving the 76ers with a 1-2 record in his absence.
Embiid's inability to stay consistently healthy has also affected his chances of winning another MVP trophy. The NBA's collective bargaining agreement requires players to play in at least 65 regular-season games to be eligible for awards like the MVP. Embiid has met this threshold only twice in his career, making it crucial for him to minimize further absences if he wants to be in the running for the prestigious honor.
However, Embiid remains focused on the bigger picture. His primary goal is to stay healthy for the remainder of the season, regardless of individual accolades. He believes that his game speaks for itself, and winning games as a team is what truly matters. Embiid recognizes that if he's unable to meet the required number of games played to qualify for the MVP, he'll accept it and prioritize his long-term health.
As he prepares for the upcoming matchup against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, Embiid has brushed off any criticism regarding his absences. Last season, he faced backlash for sitting out a game against the Nuggets due to a sore right calf, with some accusing him of avoiding tough competition. However, Embiid remains steadfast in his commitment to only play when he's at full strength.
While the headline-grabbing showdown between Embiid and Jokic is anticipated, Embiid downplayed the individual matchup and emphasized the importance of the team's performance against the Nuggets. He recognizes that the Nuggets, led by the reigning MVP Jokic, are a formidable opponent, and his focus is on helping the 76ers secure a victory.
Joel Embiid's journey in the NBA has been a rollercoaster ride of talent and injuries. With the guidance of coaches like Ime Udoka and his own determination, Embiid has transformed into a dominant force on the court. Now, it's a matter of staying consistently healthy and leading the 76ers to success in the postseason. As his career progresses, Embiid's legacy will be defined not only by individual accomplishments but also by his impact on the team and his ability to achieve greatness.
