76ers’ Joel Embiid Reacts to Team's Deadline Moves
Even though the future of Joel Embiid's season was uncertain, the Philadelphia 76ers still sought upgrades at the trade deadline this year. Their biggest move was acquiring Buddy Hield from the Indiana Pacers. The Sixers were also aggressive in the buyout market, signing Kyle Lowry once he hit free agency.
On Thursday afternoon, Embiid spoke to the media following practice. The reigning MVP is still hopeful he'll play again this year, but there remains to be no set timetable.
Along with discussing his injury and rehab, Embiid also touched on the Sixers' deadline moves. He is a fan of both players that were brought in, and was pleased with the job Daryl Morey and the front office did.
"I told [Nick Nurse] after the first three games, I was like, 'Man, I wish I was playing,' because I was so excited because I feel like Buddy, the way he's playing, I just felt like I could help him even more," Embiid said Thursday. "Kyle, I talked to him, having him here, I think he's gonna help us a lot. I think he's gonna help me a lot. Just his experience. And then basketball-wise, he's still really freaking good...I thought [the front office] did as good of a job as they could have done based on what was happening that day."
Hield has shined for the Sixers since making his debut just 24 hours after getting dealt to Philly. Through his first right games he is averaging 16.6 PPG and 5.6 APG while shooting 42.3% from beyond the arc. As for Lowry, he's averaging 5.7 PPG and 4.0 APG while converting 40% of his threes on low volume.
If Embiid is able to return to action this season, both of these guards should make life easier for him in a variety of ways.
