Julius Erving: Joel Embiid's Injuries 'Not An Excuse'; 76ers Star Has to 'Find a Way'

Philadelphia 76ers legend Julius Erving believes stars such as center Joel Embiid "have to find a way" to be available with the seven-time All-Star again struggling to stay on the court.

In an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Erving expressed concerns about the Sixers' ability to push for championships when Embiid misses so much time:

The 2022-23 NBA MVP has logged just 17 appearances so far this year, largely because of a lingering knee injury. While it's not the only reason, Embiid's limited availability has played a role in Philadelphia's 20-34 record and 11th-place standing in the Eastern Conference.

Erving's comments are nothing new in terms of general critiques toward the 7-footer or worries about his durability. This has long been the biggest knock on Embiid and the one overarching question surrounding his team.

Time and again, the 76ers have watched a playoff run unravel because its star big man is either out of action altogether or nursing an injury that leaves him at less than 100 percent.

ESPN's Tim Bontemps detailed in October how both Embiid and Philadelphia worked in the offseason toward the goal of keeping him healthy and ensuring he's performing at his peak come this spring and summer. Despite all of that effort, little has changed so far.

The Sixers and their fans have long hoped Embiid would help break a title drought that extends back to 1983, when Erving and Moses Malone swept the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals.

The organization's window appears to be closing far quicker than expected, though.