The Philadelphia 76ers have been fined $100,000 by the NBA for public comments regarding the health status of All-NBA center Joel Embiid.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the league found that the 76ers did not violate the player participation policy regarding Embiid’s missed games, but their public statements failed to accurately reflect his knee issues.
Embiid has yet to appear in any of the 76ers’ preseason games, as well as their first three regular season games for the 2024-25 season. The 30-year-old star’s health has been a focal point for fans and analysts alike, particularly following a successful previous season.
In the 2023-24 season, Embiid showcased his scoring prowess, averaging career-high 34.7 points, 11 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 33.6 minutes per game. He posted a career-high 48 points in a thrilling victory over the Washington Wizards. That performance included a historic third quarter, where he scored 29 points, shooting 10-for-10, a feat achieved only by a select few in NBA history.
Despite these accolades, the 76ers now face scrutiny regarding their communication around Embiid’s health. Embiid underwent surgery on his knee in April 2024 and returned to action just before the playoffs, where he continued to perform at an elite level.
