Embiid: ‘The way I was playing a year ago is not the way I’m playing right now’

The 76ers returned from the All-Star break on Thursday as they hosted the world-champion Boston Celtics.

Philadelphia (20-35) had its big three of Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey on Thursday, but that didn’t matter as the Celtics (40-16) routed them 124-104.

In 27 minutes of action, Embiid had 15 points, three rebounds, and four assists. He was clearly hobbled and not the player the fans and league know and love, which he discussed after the game.

“I’m sure you can figure it out,” Embiid said. “The way I was playing a year ago is not the way I’m playing right now. It sucks, but I believe I probably need to, you know, to fix the problem, and then I’ll be back at that level. But it’s hard to have the trust when you’re not yourself.  I’m not as dominant as I was a couple months ago, but that doesn’t mean I still can’t have a lot of impact on the game. Just me being out there, I think, helps a lot. You know, just my presence, ability to attract double-teams, getting guys more shots. But my dominant self, I’ll get there; it’s just tough because you know you can do so much more, but it’s just…there’s no excuses; it’s just the way it is. Just got to keep finding ways to figure it out and get better.”

The 30-year-old Embiid has played in only 18 games this season. Last season, he battled a knee injury that limited him during the playoffs. The nine-year veteran was able to play in the Olympics this summer, but he looked limited there.

Recently, EMbiid, who signed a three-year, $193 million extension in the offseason, told ESPN’s Lisa Salters that he might need another surgery. 

It might be in Embiid’s best interest to shut it down. He’s not moving the same, and the team is not very good, so getting Embiid right for next season is probably the right move.