"I don't wanna hear this s**t" - NBA champion chides Joel Embiid for skipping games to maintain health

In an effort to preserve his health for a deep playoff run, Joel Embiid is planning to skip back-to-back games. In an article by ESPN's Tim Bontemps, the Philadelphia 76ers center was quoted saying that he is probably done with back-to-backs, not only for the upcoming season but for the rest of his career.

However, this decision has also drawn some flak from several people, including 2008 champion Kevin Garnett.

On Thursday's episode of "Ticket & The Truth," Garnett berated Embiid for reportedly planning to sit out back-to-backs.

"82 games man, this is what the f***ing job calls for," Garnett said. "You're not practicing, you're not playing in the summer. I can see it if you're playing in the summer, you're on the playground, you went to the Olympics then it's training camp, y'all do 30 days of f***ing tour days, that's when you get rest. Man, I don't want to hear this s***."

Joel Embiid's entire career has been marred by injuries. He missed his first two seasons in the NBA and has never once played in more than 70 regular season games in a year. The most he's played in a single season is 68 games back in 2021-22.

Also read: NBA analyst ranks Anthony Davis above LeBron James and Steph Curry in top 10 NBA players list, snubs Joel Embiid

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Joel Embiid's decision to miss back-to-back games could cost him awards

Last season, the NBA made a rule stating that players will need to play a minimum of 65 regular season games to be eligible for awards. Additionally, a player will need to have played no less than 20 minutes per game for their participation to be counted.

Players who are unable to play in at least 65 games become automatically disqualified from winning Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player and Most Improved Player. Additionally, they cannot be named to either the All-NBA or All-Defense teams.

If Joel Embiid plans to rest when the Sixers play back-to-back, he significantly reduces his odds of winning an award ever again. While the NBA has made an effort to reduce back-to-backs, they are still a part of the schedule. In fact, the Sixers have 15 sets of back-to-backs this coming season.

That is a total of 15 games Embiid would miss should he stick to his plan. Assuming that he's healthy for the remaining 67 regular games is a stretch considering his history with injuries. As such, he could never touch another award again.

Should he never win an award again, he will retire as a one-time MVP, an award he won in 2023.

Joel Embiid has also been named to the All-NBA First Team once (2023), All-NBA Second Team four times (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022) and the All-Defensive Second Team three times (2018, 2019, 2021).

If Embiid hopes to win an individual award again, a few things will need to go his way. The league will have to find a way to significantly reduce back-to-back games and he will need to remain healthy.