While 38 minutes is currently the norm for the likes of Mikal Bridges, Tyrese Maxey, and Josh Hart this season, it’s a once-in-a-blue-moon event for Joel Embiid. 

Embiid played a season-high 38 minutes against the Toronto Raptors, atoning for Maxey’s cold shooting night with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists, a steal, and a block. 

Unfortunately, all that will remain in the minds of the Philadelphia 76ers is the final play of the game. 

Embiid’s previous high this season was 36 minutes against the Dallas Mavericks back on February 4. The 2023 NBA MVP pounced on a lackluster Mavs squad still reeling from Dallas president of basketball operations and general manager Nico Harrison’s decision to gift Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Unlike Doncic, though, Embiid has had a love-hate relationship with the city of Philadelphia. 

The injuries that hounded Embiid early in his NBA career tested the patience of the Sixers and their fans. His wit was definitely endearing to many and when combined with his solid rookie year, it made for great entertainment. 

Embiid definitely got Philly fans excited as he played more games and took the Sixers to heights they had not consistently reached since the days of Allen Iverson, but there was a hint of frustration when each season ended before the Eastern Conference Finals. The early exits were tough, but when you add Embiid’s missed games, fans were obviously left wanting for more.  

Embiid has somehow managed to play in at least 50 games except during his rookie year and last season. He’ll miss that mark this season, as a bothersome left knee despite having surgery to repair a torn left meniscus has limited him to playing in just 17 of Philadelphia’s 53 games thus far. The 30-year-old missed the early parts of the 2024-2025 regular season and in his return has sat out for at least one contest during back-to-back games. With the unpredictability in his availability and the 20-34 record of the Sixers, it certainly begs the question: Should Embiid just sit out this year altogether? 

Being 13 games under .500 will be a tough hurdle to overcome, especially with Embiid playing pretty much every other game. Moreover, him playing this season will add wear and tear to a body that is more fragile than Anthony Davis. Embiid already sat out the day after and Philadelphia suffered their fifth straight loss, entrenching themselves further into the lottery.

That being said, it may be better for Joel Embiid to call it quits for this season (disgruntled Philly fans be damned) in order for him to have an even more impactful campaign come October. The two-time NBA scoring champion remains a matchup nightmare when he’s on the court and obviously the Philadelphia 76ers are better off with him playing. Embiid has poured out his heart for the city of Philadelphia when able and taking a break now for a better tomorrow may be the best option. 

As frustrating as it may be, Embiid should just trust the process.