Nick Nurse Describes Joel Embiid's Mindset After Recent Injury

Joel Embiid is no stranger to battling injuries.

Yet, it never gets any easier when he has to battle through setbacks.

Throughout the 2023-2024 NBA season, Embiid dealt with knee-related issues on multiple occasions. First, it was a four-game stretch that started on Christmas Day. Then, it was a three-absence beginning on January 6.

Everything was looking up for Embiid, who averaged 42 points, ten rebounds, and five assists for a six-game stretch in late February. Then, knee swelling took him off the floor for two more outings.

On January 30, Embiid returned to the court to face the Golden State Warriors. Heading into the game, he was questionable to play, and it was clear why. The situation went from bad to worse, though, as a hobbled Embiid had his knee landed on by another player, causing him to leave the matchup early.

MRI results revealed that Embiid had a meniscus injury. He will have it surgically repaired, taking him off the court for a stretch of games. While his timeline for return is currently yet to be determined, it’s clear that another potential MVP season has been derailed for the big man, leaving Sixers head coach Nick Nurse sympathetic for the star center.

“I talk to him every day, I feel really bad for him,” Nurse said. “He’s having a historic season. I thought just everything he’s done, from practicing hard and prepping hard, he was just doing everything at a super high level. … Like, competitive dude with practice, games, whatever. I feel bad for him.”

Having experience with long stretches of recovery might help Embiid navigate through the remainder of the season with a positive mindset. Before he opted for surgery this past weekend, 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey mentioned that Embiid remains very supportive of his teammates despite being out of the mix for the time being.

Maxey, 76ers Feel Embiid’s Support After Setback

Nurse confirmed that Embiid is in good spirits — but like most competitors — there are lows in a recovery phase.

“How’s he doing? I mean, I think he’s probably a little up and down, to be honest with you,” Nurse continued. “I get some pretty positive vibes from him, which is why I say he’s up. Then there’s times where he’s, I think, probably where anybody would be like, right? There’s some tough moments to go through and you’re thinking about what could be and what’s going to happen next, and the road to recovery and all that kind of stuff.”

Soon, the Sixers should know whether or not a return to the floor is possible this year. No matter when that day comes, Nurse expects the star center to maintain a positively motivated mindset to help him bounce back in a big way.

“You got to take a positive spin on it,” the head coach finished. “Like anybody in life with an illness, or an injury, or sickness has got to say I’m gonna bounce back and I’m gonna be ready, right? I get some of that from him too.”