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Devastating Loss to Raptors Should be a Wake-Up Call for Joel Embiid

By Zack Jiang

Philadelphia 76ers v Toronto Raptors - Game Seven
Philadelphia 76ers v Toronto Raptors - Game Seven / Vaughn Ridley

The Philadelphia 76ers' season was ended by four lucky bounces. The game-winner by Kawhi Leonard soared right over Joel Embiid's outstretched fingers before slowly dramatically falling through the net. As the Raptors bench jumped in celebration, Embiid broke down in tears.

The pain of the loss will linger for Embiid but should serve as a motivation. Perhaps he cried so hard knowing how close the series was and how much more he could have offered. The result of this series needs to be a wake-up call for Embiid to get into shape.

Embiid once again disappointed in the playoffs, but this wasn't like last year's series against Boston that ended in five games. This one came right down to the wire.

Embiid finished the series against the Raptors averaging 17.6 points per game while shooting 37% from the field. While some of his struggles were due to the defensive tenacity of Marc Gasol, most of it had to do with his health. Rumors swirled about his alleged poor diet and conditioning.

Embiid impacts the team positively even when he's not fully healthy, but when he dominates, he takes the team to another level. Game 3 against the Raptors was a perfect example as he posted 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 blocks on his way to a 21-point win.

However, too often Embiid is a liability in the health department, whether it be injuries, illness or seemingly his physical fitness, which is simply evident based on his effort during games we've seen him struggling.

Embiid is one of the most talented big men in the league, he needs to start training like it.

A lot of questions linger for the 76ers this offseason as Jimmy Butler, Tobias Harris, and JJ Redick are all set to become free agents. There's bound to be some changes, but Embiid should be returning as the face of the franchise ready to lead the way.

Despite the inevitable roster moves, the Sixers should still be a contender next year. However, if they want to truly compete for a title, they'll need a completely transformed Joel Embiid.