The NBA slapped the Philadelphia 76ers with a $100,000 fine on Tuesday for public statements made about star player Joel Embiid’s health status. This penalty followed a league investigation into the 76ers’ communications surrounding Embiid’s injury after he missed the team’s season opener earlier this month. The investigation confirmed that Embiid, who has been out due to what the team calls “left knee management,” was genuinely unable to play in that game. However, the league determined that the team’s statements about his health were “inconsistent,” leading to the fine.
The team’s head coach, Nick Nurse, was notably tight-lipped regarding both Embiid’s and newly signed forward Paul George’s health on Tuesday. Both players are dealing with knee issues and have yet to appear on the court this season. When asked about their anticipated return, Nurse firmly replied, “I’m not going to answer.”
As of Tuesday’s practice, both players participated in limited activities, but Nurse confirmed they wouldn’t suit up for the team’s upcoming game against the Detroit Pistons at the Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday. When probed about when they might debut this season, Nurse avoided specifics, focusing instead on the team’s immediate goals. “We want these guys to play and we want them to be healthy, and we want them to play great all season,” Nurse explained. “But my main focus is… I’ve got to try to get this team to play as good as it can tomorrow night”, via CBS News.
Embiid, who struggled with knee injuries last season and appeared in just 39 games, has taken steps to manage his condition. Over the summer, he reportedly shed over 25 pounds to reduce strain on his knees, contributing to his successful participation with Team USA on their gold medal run at the Paris Olympics. Despite these efforts, it’s unclear what specific issue currently sidelines him. His absence from the season so far, combined with recent events like receiving a technical foul for towel-waving from the bench, has kept him under the spotlight.
Meanwhile, Paul George, who joined the 76ers on a four-year, $212 million contract, is dealing with a bone bruise in his knee sustained during preseason. Though initial assessments showed no structural damage, the team remains cautious, and his exact return timeline is unknown.
As Philadelphia holds a 1-2 record, they are scheduled to host the Pistons on Wednesday, followed by a matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. They’ll then embark on a west coast road trip next week, though it remains uncertain if their star players will be part of the lineup soon. Based on Nurse’s latest comments, fans may still be left wondering when they’ll see Embiid and George on the court again.