It’s become clear that many NBA fans and pundits have never undergone an appendectomy.
Take “routine surgery” literally at your own risk.
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star center Joel Embiid underwent an emergency appendectomy in Houston last Thursday, and while he was discharged by Friday, the 76ers announced there was “no set timeline” for his return to play.
Philadelphia is playing the Orlando Magic in the Play-In Tournament on Wednesday night, and Embiid is unavailable to play.
Embiid not being ready to play less than a week after abdominal surgery is a logical outcome, but Skip Bayless stirred the pot.
Bayless said on Underdog’s “Gil’s Arena” that a “pretty good source in Philadelphia” told him that Embiid “is actually cleared to play but has chosen not to play.”
Predictably, Bayless faced backlash, including from ClutchPoints NBA insider and reporter Brett Siegel.
“This is not true whatsoever, and to say something like this is disgusting for a guy who underwent an emergency procedure that would be life-threatening if left unchecked,” Siegel wrote on X. “The guy just had surgery, and he needs time to recover. This is so wrong to even say.”
Questioning Embiid’s willingness to push his body is certainly a choice. The 2023 NBA MVP has fought through injuries for the entirety of his pro career. The 76ers drafted him third overall in 2014, but he didn’t make his NBA debut until the 2016-17 season due to a navicular bone fracture in his right foot.
Embiid has managed ankle and knee injuries, including this season, and suffered through a torn meniscus, a Bell’s palsy diagnosis, and several facial fractures over the years.
Philadelphia rolled with Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Kelly Oubre Jr., Paul George, and Adem Bona as its starting five against Orlando.
Should the 76ers beat Orlando, they will face the No. 2 Boston Celtics in the first round of the NBA playoffs. That series is slated to start on Sunday, April 19.
Philadelphia will need Embiid to have any shot at upsetting the Celtics. It should go without saying that Embiid’s physical well-being is more important than the 76ers winning a first-round playoff series. Bayless’ comments, whether his own or from an unnamed source, shone a glaring light on how far the sports world has to go when it comes to discussing athletes’ bodies appropriately.
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