Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers (Image source Getty Images)
The Philadelphia 76ers were knocked out of the playoffs early on after suffering a 115-118 defeat in game 6 against the New York Knicks. Despite the best efforts of all the players, their attempts to extend the series to game 7 fell short, bringing a premature end to their season. Following this loss, Joel Embiid, the star player of the 76ers, was asked during a post-game interview about his experience playing through injuries and his thoughts on his team’s early elimination.

In response, Embiid stated that he is not feeling sorry for himself. He also mentioned that he will continue to play until he is able to jump again. Joel Embiid expressed his thoughts after battling a meniscus injury and diagnosis of Bell’s Palsy in the midst of the 1st Round.

“I mean, never give up, gotta keep it going. I can’t feel sorry for myself, as long as I can play, jump even a little bit and I can be on the floor, I feel like my presence is enough, even if I can’t jump and I can’t move the way I want to or if my body’s not responding the way it should be. I felt like, coming back this year, I could’ve taken more time to heal and get back to myself.“ Embiid said during a post-game interview.

Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy during this season

After recovering from his injury, Embiid played in six more regular-season games, maintaining his remarkable performance throughout. It’s worth noting he did not score 36 or even 30 points per game after his return, but he still managed to average 27.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. This was particularly encouraging for someone who had been out of action for two months.

Despite the 76ers being out of the NBA playoffs, Embiid can still compete for a major trophy at the Olympics in Paris, where he will represent Team USA. Before rejoining the club to train, he will take care to repair his body from the injuries he sustained this season.