“I started doing some live stuff and it feels pretty good….Should be back pretty soon.”  With these words, Joel Embiid sparked hopes among the Philadelphia 76ers supporters last week, hinting that he will return to the court for the Sixers soon. If his words were to be believed, many expected him to feature in his first season game against the Los Angeles Clippers, scheduled for six days later. But, those hopes faded after a clash with journalist Marcus Hayes’s critical and personal column on Embiid. Since it only led to further suspension of the 2023 MVP, a famous ESPN analyst has now pointed out why it might be a clinging factor for the franchise.

On a recent episode of her ESPN show with Gary Striewski, Elle Duncan discussed Joel Embiid’s suspension. She focused on his toughness and dedication, particularly during last year’s postseason when he played through injury. However, Duncan then highlighted Embiid’s obvious influence on the Philadelphia-based franchise, suggesting that the team would keenly feel his absence.

“His legacy is defined by how good are the Sixers when he’s not out there? They’are bu-t, they’re bu-t bo-ty bu-t cheeks, they s-ck. They’ve won what one game this year! I mean they’re not good without him so I think sometimes the legacy part is still there,” stated the ESPN analyst on The Elle Duncan Show. 

Well, Duncan’s take on Embiid’s absence couldn’t be more accurate as the Sixers have struggled without their star, losing five out of their first six games this season. Their sole win—a close four-point victory over the Indiana Pacers—was only secured after a hard-fought overtime battle. The team facing challenges is obvious. Since Embiid has been their leading scorer since 2016, without him on the court, they’re missing the anchor that usually drives their success.

The Kansas product earned the MVP title during the 2022-23 season, putting up an impressive 33.1 points per game. Unfortunately, a knee injury has sidelined him for the first five games of this season. Even if he had recovered in time to play in the latest passed game against the LA Clippers, a three-game suspension keeps him out of action, costing him nearly $1 million in lost wages.

Joel Embiid confrontation to reporter leads to suspension and lost wages

Last Saturday night, when the Philadelphia 76ers lost to the Memphis Grizzlies at the Wells Fargo Center, emotions ran high when Joel Embiid confronted Marcus Hayes, a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer. Hayes had written a column that unexpectedly referenced Embiid’s son and late brother, which deeply upset the former MVP. In a heated exchange, Embiid confronted Hayes, shoving him in frustration. While the reporter didn’t retaliate physically, tensions were high before both men were separated.

It’s to be noted that before the incident, Marcus Hayes had removed the controversial remarks about Joel Embiid’s family from his column. However, the NBA swiftly investigated the altercation, resulting in a three-game suspension for Embiid. This meant that even if the team had cleared him to play against the Clippers on Wednesday night, they sidelined him. The suspension will keep him out for two more games, including matchups against the Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets.

As part of his suspension, Joel Embiid will lose a portion of his salary for each game he misses. With a hefty $51.4 million contract this season, the Sixers star will forfeit approximately $1.7 million for the three games he sits out. While this is undoubtedly a hit for the Sixers, some have suggested that the time off could benefit Embiid in the long run. As an official rest period enforced by the league, the Sixers center has a chance to recover fully.

Nevertheless, for Sixers fans, the biggest excitement this season remains seeing the dynamic trio of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and the newly added Paul George hit the court together. But with Embiid’s suspension, fans will have to wait just a little longer. The earliest chance to witness this exciting lineup in action could be on November 12, when the Sixers face off against the New York Knicks.