The Joel Embiid saga has been a mix of caution and frustration. After multiple knee procedures, the Philadelphia 76ers have carefully managed his minutes, leaving his availability unpredictable. But the NBA expects clarity when it comes to injury reporting. When the 76ers failed to provide it, the league hit them with another hefty fine.

According to the league’s statement, the team was fined $100,000 for violating “league injury reporting rules”. The game in question came against the Atlanta Hawks. The 76ers’ star center was ruled out for the contest, but still suited up in the loss. Embiid logged in 30 minutes in that contest, scoring 18.

But because the team didn’t report his participation on time, the NBA made the call to penalize them. Though this wasn’t the first time it had happened, either.

Around the same time last season, the 76ers were fined $100,000 for making inconsistent statements about Embiid’s injury. The investigation was first opened for possible violation of the Player Participation Policy. ‘The Process’ had missed the nationally televised season opener against the Bucks.

The league didn’t find any fault in Embiid for not playing that game. He was dealing with a ‘left knee condition’, but the 76ers’ unclear communication sparked the punishment. In the future, the franchise will have to be more careful. As Joel Embiid continues to nurse his knee ailment, his participation before every game on most days has started with the doubtful tag.

That could be the case for most of this campaign. Hence, timely communication to avoid such errors is critical until Embiid is ready to play regularly. Since they have had a history of similar violations, the fine could grow if they repeat these mistakes. But in some good news, the Philadelphia 76ers are beginning to take shape.

Some light at the end of the tunnel for the 76ers

Joel Embiid has been in and out, which forced the Philadelphia 76ers to look for players, and luckily, they found a new gem. His name is Tyrese Maxey. Reports claim the franchise has drifted towards building around him. The explosive scorer is having a statement season, averaging 32.5 points and 7.5 assists, and playing all 20 games this season.

Furthermore, their illuminating backcourt has a pool of dynamic talents. Rookie VJ Edgecombe is earning early All-Defensive team shouts for his tenacity. Quentin Grimes has been going steady since joining the side last season, averaging 17 points. Likewise, the team has managed to move away from its reliance on Embiid and Paul George.

Nick Nurse is building the offence around playing at a great pace and having relentless energy. George is also starting to gain full fitness, playing three consecutive games for the first time this season. Nurse has deployed him as a defensive pest, using his versatility to guard multiple positions. All these positives when Joel Embiid hasn’t caught up to that speed yet.

But the former MVP is still an essential piece. Embiid can still score the ball, averaging just under 20 in almost 25 minutes per game. The team is being cautious with his workload to avoid any sort of injury risk. They sit at 11-9, with a good chance of making the postseason in a weakened East. That gives the franchise ample time to monitor its star’s health.

If Joel Embiid can be in full force for the playoffs, the conversation around the 76ers will instantly change. Having gone through a long period of uncertainty with the elite center, they don’t seem to be banking on it. However, having an ace in your back pocket could tremendously aid the team when the postseason comes around.

It’s going to be a long and careful process with Embiid. Philly, with hope it’s all worth it at the end.