Tyrese Maxey, 76ers Feel Joel Embiid’s Support After Latest Setback

The 76ers are supporting Joel Embiid as he deals with another setback -- but the MVP is returning the favor.

Lately, the Philadelphia 76ers have found themselves in a tough spot as their superstar center, Joel Embiid, suffered a knee injury that is expected to sideline him for a significant amount of time.

While the Sixers couldn’t reveal a timeline for his recovery just yet, the expectation is that Embiid could miss several months of action as he’s set to undergo surgery this week.

For the last few days, Embiid and the Sixers spent a lot of time weighing out their options. Throughout the process, Embiid remained supportive and in good spirits, according to his co-star on the Sixers, Tyrese Maxey.

“His spirit is as good as anybody who is hurt or who is going through something,” said Maxey.

This isn’t Embiid’s first rodeo, unfortunately. Since entering the NBA, the big man had the injury-prone label attached to him, and he couldn’t shake the narrative as he was injury-plagued throughout the years that should’ve been his rookie and sophomore efforts.

And even when Embiid finally debuted in 2016-2017, his run would last 31 games before he was shut down again. Since his rookie run, Embiid has consistently been on the floor for the Sixers but certainly battled too many injuries to count.

This year, he faces another tough stretch where he’ll have to rest and recover while his team competes without him, but Embiid hasn’t let it affect his leadership tactics.

“He’s been great, honestly,” Maxey added. “I mean, he called me and congratulated me, and he just texts us and tells us to go out there and be successful trying to win games, and he’s supportive of us. We’re supportive of him as well. Wherever he’s going through his rehab, whatever he has to do, we’re going to be there right there with him.”

With Embiid out for an extended period, Maxey now becomes the focal point of the squad. As he’s been the second-most productive player behind Embiid and earned his first All-Star nod, Maxey faces a notable challenge. 

Embiid might not be able to help the young guard navigate through it, but the one-time All-Star feels the support from his teammate as they move forward.