The spotlight in the NBA playoffs has shifted to the health challenges facing premier big men like Joel Embiid and Victor Wembanyama, bringing Joel Embiid injury concerns and health management into sharp focus. Danny Green, former teammate of Embiid and current Spurs player, recently cautioned that Wembanyama could face the same injury problems without improved care and conditioning. This warning comes as both players, known for their exceptional talent and size, navigate the physical toll of the league.
NBA Teams Showing Smart Resource Management Amid Health Battles
Among the teams still active in the playoffs, the Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana Pacers, and New York Knicks stand out for maximizing their rosters with players performing beyond their contracts. The Thunder rely on Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso, while the Pacers benefit from Aaron Nesmith and Myles Turner. The Knicks find value in Jalen Brunson and Deuce McBride. These examples contrast sharply with the Philadelphia 76ers, who are weighed down by the large contracts of Joel Embiid and Paul George, and whose roster decisions have led to difficulties managing consistent player availability.
Joel Embiid’s Injury History Leaves 76ers in a Tough Spot
Joel Embiid is among the most dominant centers when healthy, but his injury struggles have severely limited his recent contributions. Last season, he played only 19 games due to multiple setbacks, continuing a pattern of prolonged absences that have marked his career since entering the league in 2014. With nearly $192 million committed to Embiid over the next three years through his contract extension, the 76ers face uncertainty about whether he will remain fit enough to justify the investment.
Danny Green Highlights Weight and Conditioning Issues as Key Factors
In a recent interview on All the Smoke, Danny Green shared insights on the challenges Embiid faces related to his fluctuating weight and conditioning routines, which may contribute to his injury frequency. Green warned about the physical strain on exceptionally tall players like Wembanyama, emphasizing the difficulty of sustaining longevity for seven-footers in the NBA.
His weight fluctuates sometimes. I think when that happens with people when you’re that size … that’s one thing I fear for Wemby. Seven-footers ain’t supposed to last that long. If we get 10 years out of them, that’s a great career.
—Danny Green, NBA Player
Wembanyama, standing even taller than Embiid at 21 years old, has so far avoided Embiid’s lower-body injury pattern but faced his own health scare with a blood clot in his right shoulder early in the season. Both players serve as modern centers who stretch their roles beyond traditional post play, requiring them to handle outside shooting and quick transition play, adding to physical wear.
Importance of Weight Training and Physical Maintenance for Longevity
Green stressed that consistent effort in the weight room could help reduce injury risk for players like Embiid and Wembanyama. He expressed concern that Embiid’s casual approach to weightlifting limits his potential to develop “security strong” durability, which could mitigate injuries over the long term.
He’s not a big lifter, ’cause he’s already strong, so he feels like he don’t have to lift that much. I feel like if he lifted weights a lot, he’d be ridiculous, like security strong.
—Danny Green, NBA Player
While some athletes avoid adding too much muscle to maintain flexibility and responsiveness, the lack of structured strength training can contribute to persistent injuries, as seen in Embiid’s case. His fluctuating weight complicates the 76ers’ planning, as they juggle his contract alongside aging stars like Paul George and rising young talents including Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, and the team’s latest draft picks.
Spurs’ Future Hinges on Victor Wembanyama’s Health
The San Antonio Spurs are advancing toward contender status after acquiring De’Aaron Fox mid-season and securing the second overall pick, expected to be used on Rutgers’ standout Dylan Harper. Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle adds promise to the Spurs’ young core, with speculation growing around the team being a top destination for Giannis Antetokounmpo should he be traded this summer.
Ultimately, the Spurs’ success will depend heavily on keeping Wembanyama healthy and productive. Avoiding the injury pitfalls that have affected Embiid is critical for the team’s aspirations to join the ranks of the Thunder, Pacers, and Knicks, franchises noted for their effective roster-building and player durability.
For fans of quality basketball and Spurs supporters, the focus will be on whether Wembanyama can maintain his health and avoid the chronic injuries that have dogged Joel Embiid’s career. His well-being could shape the Spurs’ trajectory in the coming years and influence how big men manage their health in the physically demanding NBA environment.