Report: NBA to investigate Sixers regarding Joel Embiid’s player participation

After such positive buzz around the Sixers after how well this offseason went, the new season is opening on a rather sour note. The team’s star free agent signing Paul George is out for the season opener (as he recovers from a bone bruise suffered in preseason), and so is Joel Embiid, who will be out against the Bucks and on Friday due to left knee injury management.

Embiid’s absence has been a frustrating surprise for fans, given the very Sixers-y nature of the situation being clouded in unnecessary confusion and a lack of transparency. The NBA doesn’t seem to be happy either, as ESPN’s Shams Charania has reported that the league is likely going to begin an investigation later this week into “the player participation” of Embiid.

If the league thinks Embiid is being held out of a high-profile, nationally televised season opener for extra time to rest, when he may not be dealing with an actual injury, that seems to be the cause for the investigation. The NBA has made it harder for teams to rest players, especially stars, and seem to be looking to enforce that right away as the season starts.

For now, the Sixers have said that Embiid is “responding well to his individualized plan and is expected to ramp up his return to play activities this week, including scrimmaging.”

If Embiid is dealing with an injury, whether it’s an aggravation of his previously operated-on knee after two meniscus surgeries or anything else, the Sixers being more upfront about everything sure would be welcome — for the league office and Philly fans alike.

Of course, all that matters is Embiid’s health is taken care of and the team don’t put any unnecessary strain on his body to keep him in the best shape possible for the playoffs and beyond. His knee will need to managed carefully for the rest of his career. Nick Nurse and the team have made it clear in recent weeks that they’re prioritizing his health and being extra careful with back-to-backs this season. But transparency more in advance to avoid sudden disappointment for fans and, perhaps, keep the league office at bay would help with situations like this.

Hopefully once the weekend gets here and Embiid is reevaluated, as the team has said will happen, we get some more clarity and confirmation of when the big fella will be making his 2024-25 debut.