Sixers center Joel Embiid claims he’s “more surprised than everybody else” how well this season has gone after he was sidelined two seasons by foot injuries. During the interview with ESPN Radio, Embiid admits he entertained thoughts of retiring during those lost seasons. “I was such in a dark place, I wanted to quit basketball,” Embiid said. “I just wanted to go back home and just leave everything behind.” Embiid pines for the Rookie of the Year award, saying it would be validation for the sacrifices he made to get back on the court. He’s hopeful of returning soon after the All-Star break after missing the last 11 games with what he describes as a left knee bone bruise, though he reportedly has a partial meniscus tear.
In other news around the Atlantic Division:
- The Raptors do not want to part with young assets now that they’ve made a big move by acquiring power forward Serge Ibaka, according to Doug Smith of the Toronto Star. Toronto would prefer to hold onto Delon Wright, Jakob Poeltl, Lucas Nogueira, Pascal Siakam, Norm Powell and Fred VanVleet, Smith continues. They could still package Jared Sullinger‘s expiring contract, a 2017 first-rounder and one of their backup point guards to make another move, Smith adds.
- Charles Oakley doubts his issues with Knicks owner James Dolan will ever be resolved, Newsday’s Jim Baumbach relays via a Sports Illustrated interview. Despite a meeting with commissioner Adam Silver and Dolan earlier this week, Oakley is still fuming over his forcible removal from Madison Square Garden and arrest on February 8th. “My life is going to change a lot because it’s just like getting a DUI sometime or going to jail for murder,” he told SI. “It’s something on my record. If you Google my name, it’s going to come up. And that hurts.”
- Nets point guard Jeremy Lin is expected to return to action immediately after the All-Star break, Brian Lewis of the New York Post tweets. Lin practiced on Tuesday without any setbacks, according to NetsDaily.com. Lin’s season has been wrecked by hamstring woes. Signed to a three-year, $36MM contract last summer to be the team’s No. 1 point guard, Lin has appeared in just 12 games.
Yeah Mr. Oakley, those of us who don’t play sports for millions of dollars understand that actions have consequences. While I’m not necessarily defending Mr Dolan, Oakley showed up at the arena with an agenda, and when it didn’t go as planned he fell apart even more.
You’re bringing up how much money Oak has and ignoring Dolan’s wealth. For years, my man hasn’t been able to PAY and go to Knicks game without being harassed. He should never have to pay for a ticket. You wanna focus on the last part of the whole drama. Dolan has instigated the whole thing. Look at all the facts before you speak on here. Typical suburban attitude.
Dolan is still ridiculous for saying he had a drinking problem why would you assume something like that, Mr. Dolan?
Lin needs to comeback and dominate
Net’s need Lin to come back so badly.
Not that Lin is going to bring the Net’s to a respectable record but they need all the help they can get
Yea I have been hoping Hollis-Jefferson evolves but idk, I would like to see them take a shot on Michael Beasley. I really think he can become something there with no pressure, he is playing really good in Milwaukee right now.