As expected, the NBA fined the Philadelphia 76ers $100,000 for making public statements inconsistent with Joel Embiid’s health status, violating league rules, including the player participation policy. Embiid has missed the first four games of the season due to “left knee injury management.” Earlier this year, he underwent surgery for a meniscus tear but returned just in time for the playoffs in April and played for Team USA during the London Olympics this summer.
Head coach Nick Nurse recently assured that Embiid had not suffered a setback, stating the team is focused on getting him fully ready to play. Nurse noted, “He’s in practice, looking good, and progressing,” but confirmed Embiid is not quite ready yet, though he should be soon. These comments may have contributed to the fine.
The NBA’s player participation policy, introduced before the 2023-24 season, aims to ensure that star players—those recognized as All-Stars or All-NBA in the past three seasons—participate in significant games. The league investigates teams whenever a star player misses a nationally televised game, such as Embiid did in the opener against the Milwaukee Bucks.
The policy allows the NBA to impose penalties if team personnel make statements that contradict a player’s injury status. The investigation revealed that Embiid’s missed games are not in violation of the participation policy, but the fine arose from the team’s unclear communication regarding his injury.
This situation raises questions about the specifics of Embiid’s “left knee condition” and whether it will impact his season or career. Historically, the 76ers have not been transparent about injuries, and Nurse’s brief responses suggest they may be even less forthcoming moving forward. As the team navigates these challenges, clear communication with the league will be critical to avoid future fines.
