While the Philadelphia 76ers’ ultra-caution with franchise center Joel Embiid is understandable, Embiid himself isn’t exactly the happiest camper about it.
Sixers head coach Brett Brown told the media on Monday that Embiid is expected to have a minutes restriction somewhere in the teens to begin the 2017-18 season, per Tom Moore of the Bucks County Courier Times.
Brown: 'I don't think there's a solid number (of Embiid's minutes),' but says would guess it's in the teens (to start season).' #Sixers
— Tom Moore (@TomMoorePhilly) October 16, 2017
Meeting with reporters himself shortly afterwards, Embiid said that he was “disappointed” at the news of the restriction.
#Sixers Embiid 'disappointed' at having minutes restriction expected to be on the teens. pic.twitter.com/zJpTnXuaLB
— Tom Moore (@TomMoorePhilly) October 16, 2017
Embiid’s minutes restriction at this time last year was somewhat similar, but he eventually made his way up to 25.4 minutes a night over the course of his 31 games played. This time around though, the risk involved is much greater, so it’s hardly a shock that the Sixers are opting to ease him back into the fire.
