Philadelphia 76ers’ load management plan for Joel Embiid revealed in interview with ESPN’s Tim Bontemps

Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid has already reached a level of achievement in his career that many NBA players throughout the league’s 78-year history can only dream of. The only accolade eluding Embiid’s impressive portfolio is an NBA championship ring.

A significant factor in his quest for a title has been his ongoing struggle with injuries, which have hindered both him and the 76ers from breaking through to the Eastern Conference Finals.

However, it looks like Embiid and the 76ers have developed a strategy for the upcoming season to ensure he stays healthy for the playoffs.

76ers’ potential plan to load manage Joel Embiid

In an interview with ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Embiid mentioned that he doesn’t expect to participate in back-to-back games for the remainder of his career.

He also shared that he will “begrudgingly” continue wearing a brace on his left knee this season, a precaution stemming from a meniscus injury he sustained in the 2023-2024 season.

This news follows a report by John Clark from NBC Sports Philadelphia, revealing that Embiid will sit out all of the 76ers’ preseason games as part of the team’s plan to manage his knee health.

Joel Embiid OUT remainder of preseason

Sixers say as part of his left knee management, Joel Embiid was assessed by doctors on Thursday. Embiid is progressing well and will continue to take part in an individual treatment plan designed to best support his health and wellness for the 2024-25 season. He will not play in…

— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) October 13, 2024

The 76ers seem to be taking a page out of the Toronto Raptors’ playbook, mirroring their load management strategy with Kawhi Leonard during the 2018-2019 season.

Leonard famously rested during back-to-backs and took time off to focus on his health ahead of the playoffs, ultimately playing just 60 regular-season games.

The Raptors’ cautious approach paid off when they celebrated their championship victory in June. With the recent addition of Paul George, it appears the 76ers share a similar goal of bringing home a championship.

Andre Drummond is key to Embiid’s load management

The 76ers’ commitment to managing Embiid’s workload may have played a significant role in the recruitment of veteran Andre Drummond, who rejoined the team this offseason. With Drummond back in the fold, the 76ers—and Embiid—might feel more at ease giving the 2023 MVP additional rest days compared to previous seasons.

Drummond has made a strong impression in the preseason, showcasing his ability as a dynamic two-way center capable of controlling the boards and executing the pick-and-roll effectively.

Andre Drummond says he signed with the 76ers because the best center in the NBA recruited him

"Getting a phone call from the best center in the NBA saying, 'I need you here' … it's hard to tell him no,"

(Via @TimBontemps ) pic.twitter.com/HvWv27cKIB

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 14, 2024

Given Embiid’s injury history, the 76ers are making a smart move by being cautious with him this season, especially with the emergence of rising star Tyrese Maxey and the addition of Paul George to help carry the load.

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