76ers’ Joel Embiid says ‘I really thought I wouldn’t make it’ after COVID-19 showdown

Philadelphia 76ers superstar center Joel Embiid was sidelined 9 games after tested positive for COVID-19 in early November.

After missing three weeks of action, the All-Star hub returned to court on November 27, sharing a terrifying account of what he’s dealt with while battling COVID-19.

Embiid said after the game: “That jawn hit me really hard. “I mean, I really thought I wasn’t going to make it. It was that bad, so I’m grateful to be sitting here.”

He continued, adding that “I struggled with it but I’m just glad I got over it and I’m just here doing what I love with some good people.”

Despite the missed time, Embiid returned to All-Star form on his comeback, scoring 42 points and 14 rebounds in a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in extra time. Over the past month, the Sixers have been forced to face a number of absences due to league health and safety protocols, with Tobias Harris, Isaiah Joe and Matisse Thybulle also missing multiple games, while the guard All-Star Ben Simmons is still absent from the group due to personal reasons.

As reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, some positive testing comes from within the Sixers organization as the team is scheduled to begin receiving booster shots for COVID-19.

In Embiid’s extended absence, the Sixers hit a 2-7 record after starting the season 8-2. The four-time All-Star champion will be looking to get the team back on track after leading them to the East’s best record in 2020-21, a feat that led to a second-place MVP result.

Embiid is averaging 23.5 points and 10.0 rebounds through his first 10 games this season.

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