Joel Embiid is feeling as physically strong as he has in nearly two years, a stretch that has brought renewed confidence and enjoyment back to his game, according to Tony Jones of The Athletic.
With his body finally responding the way he expects, the Philadelphia 76ers star admitted there was a time when he wasn’t sure this level of consistency would ever return.
“There were moments where I didn’t know if my body would let me do this again,” Embiid said. “So being out there night after night, feeling good, it means a lot to me.”
Embiid acknowledged that his game looks different now than it once did, but he believes that change has helped him stay effective.
“I might not jump as high or move as fast, but I know how to read the game better,” he said. “I can still impact winning if I’m smart about it.”
That evolution was evident recently when he recorded his first dunk of the season against the New York Knicks, a small moment that still carried personal significance.
“It felt good just to remind myself I can still do it,” Embiid added.
Inside the locker room, his teammates have noticed the shift, especially in his mood. Tyrese Maxey said Embiid’s health has changed the energy around the team.
“You can see it in his face,” Maxey said. “He’s smiling more, he’s talking more, and that’s huge for us.”
Maxey also credited Embiid’s discipline behind the scenes, pointing out that the star center has been diligent about treatment and recovery.
“He’s locked in on taking care of his body,” Maxey said. “That’s what really matters at this stage.”
For Embiid, the focus remains on sustainability.
“I just want to keep stacking good days,” he said. “If I can do that, everything else will take care of itself.”
Atlantic Notes: Brown, Embiid, Lowry, Shead https://t.co/B7l8KO12gH pic.twitter.com/YzimmvO6xE
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