Joel Embiid responds to Charles Barkley’s conditioning recommendation

Charles Barkley recently had some advice for Joel Embiid that he believes will help the Philadelphia 76ers big man get into better shape, but it does not sound like Embiid is going to follow it.

Embiid has a lengthy injury history, and that can make it difficult to stay in peak condition. Barkley suggested that he try taking up swimming as a way to keep his conditioning in the right place without putting too much strain on his body, but Embiid has a good reason for why that is not an option.

Joel Embiid on Charles Barkley’s suggestion he take up swimming as a low impact way to keep his conditioning up: “I’m scared of water. I don’t know how to swim”

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 22, 2019

Embiid obviously knows what works best for his body, even if we have seen him do some questionable things while being worked on by the Sixers’ training staff. While swimming is a great way to stay in shape, it’s a tough activity if you’re afraid of water.