76er’s Joel Embiid Stays In NBA News Even While Not Playing

Joel Embiid’s name came up twice in NBA news this week as he continues to rehab from a lower-body injury and has yet to take the court.

In a game against the Indiana Pacers, he waved a towel during Andrew Nembhard‘s free throw attempt, which the NBA later assessed as a technical foul, although the referees did not see it or call it during the game. The Philadelphia 76ers won 118-114, which is their only win of the season, starting from the year 1-2.

On Tuesday, the NBA announced that it is fining the Philadelphia 76ers $100,000 for “inconsistent messaging” about his injury. In the off-season, Embiid said he would be willing to play below the 65-game threshold that the NBA instituted for players to be eligible for individual recognition to curb resting players.

The former MVP played less than half of his team’s game last season and does not have a timetable on when he will play this year as he deals with “left knee management.” Paul George, who signed a four-year deal with the 76ers in free agency during the off-season, has also not played after getting banged up in the pre-season and dealing with a hyperextended knee. Head coach Nick Nurse spoke on his two star’s health on Tuesday.

“We want these guys to play and we want them to be healthy and we want them to play great, and we want them to play great all season,” Nurse said. “Then my main focus is, I’ve got to do the job that I’ve got to do. I’ve got to try to get this team to play as good as it can tomorrow night. That takes a big chunk of my focus and whatever. I’m just trying to concentrate on my job at hand.”

Philadelphia takes on the Detroit Pistons at home on Wednesday.