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Philadelphia 76ers superstar center Joel Embiid says he lost 25-30 pounds in the offseason and plans to lose more as he chases an NBA championship ring.
Embiid showed up to Sixers media day on Monday looking noticeably slimmer. He told reporters he dropped a significant amount of weight in the aim of doing whatever it takes to be healthy when the playoffs come around.
Embiid also stated that he isn’t worried about making All-NBA or contending for a second NBA MVP award. That’s notable due to the league’s 65-game minimum for players to be eligible for individual awards.
Joel Embiid says he lost about 25 to 30 pounds this offseason:
“I still got a ways to go, still want to lose more…We got to do whatever it takes to make sure that in the postseason I am healthy. There’s no agenda, no All-Star, no All-NBA.” pic.twitter.com/23IOnQNu0m
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) September 30, 2024
Joel Embiid Undergoes Major Weight Loss In Search Of NBA Championship
This means the Sixers could choose to rest the seven-time all-star in hopes that he will be more healthy when the playoffs come around.
Embiid’s weight has been a point of contention his entire career. Entering the NBA, many believed he needed to gain weight in order to regularly compete in the post with NBA centers. But in recent years, many have wondered if he got too big in the process, putting too much strain on his joints.
The 76ers listed Embiid at 7 feet tall and 280 pounds prior to the 2023-24 season.
He suffered a torn meniscus late in the regular season a year ago which caused him to be severely limited in the Sixers’ opening-round loss to the New York Knicks.
According to Vegas Insider, the Sixers open the 2024-25 season with the fourth-best odds to win a championship after signing superstar Paul George in free agency.
The Boston Celtics open as favorites to repeat, followed by the Oklahoma City Thunder and New York Knicks.