NBA: Proof 76ers' Joel Embiid Could Put Up Bigger Numbers Next Season

Philadelphia 76ers’ dominant big man Joel Embiid has shown proof that he could become put up bigger numbers next season.

Embiid was the third overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft. He was instantly regarded as a future NBA superstar after the draft but injuries ruined his 2014 and 2015 seasons. He finally made his professional debut in the 2016-17 season but he only played 31 games. Embiid become healthier as he approached the next two seasons but still missed nearly 20 games In fact, he only played 64 games last season.

But coming into the next season, the 25-year-old Cameroonian is looking healthier and is expected to put up bigger numbers for the Sixers. Reports claim that Embiid may arrive at camp in the best shape of his life.

Just a few weeks ago, Embiid has revealed in a One Chip Challenge video that he lost 25 pounds over the summer, trimming down to about 250 pounds. Due to the said weight loss, Embiid could now be able to dominate the rest of the Eastern Conference because his slimmed down physique should lighten the load on his knees and ankles, an issue which he have dealt with in his entire NBA career.

In the past, Embiid’s conditioning has been one of the biggest criticisms people have thrown at him. But apparently, he has worked on that this offseason. Carrying less weight should make Embiid more durable and allow the 76ers to play him more, not having to manage his workload as much as they have in the last few seasons.

What makes it more evident that Embiid is set to have an impressive season was the fact that his mentality is all about winning.

It will be remembered that Kawhi Leonard and the Toronto Raptors ended Embiid and Philadelphia’s season. After four months the devastating loss still seems to haunt the All-Star center so much that he puts the blame of that Game 7 downfall on himself.

In a recent interview with The Athletic, Embiid opened up about his thoughts about the playoff loss. According to Embiid, he was fully aware that he didn’t do the best he could. And while it has something to do with his health, he didn’t want to use it as an excuse.

“You know you had a chance. Me personally, I know I didn’t show up. I can’t blame that I wasn’t feeling well, but I know I didn’t do what I know I could do — the whole playoffs, actually. So, to me it felt like a lot of regrets, I felt like I could’ve done more, but I didn’t,” Embiid admitted.