Joel Embiid's Trainer Says 76ers Star Told Him He'd Trade NBA MVP Award for 1 Healthy Postseason Run
Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid has yet to experience success in the playoffs, and he feels that his health has been the biggest factor in his postseason woes.
During an appearance on The Kevin O'Connor Show, Embiid's trainer Drew Hanlen recounted a story in which the 2023 NBA MVP declared that he would give up his individual accolades for the chance to be at 100 percent in the playoffs.
"He's like, 'I would trade my MVP for one healthy postseason run, because I think that if I'm healthy, I'm dominant enough that I would carry us to win a championship.' He hasn't had that," Hanlen said around the 1:30 mark.
In seven postseason appearances, Embiid has yet to lead the Sixers to the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite his average of 33.0 points in Philadelphia's last playoff run in 2024, the team lost its first-round series against the New York Knicks in six games.
The Sixers failed to make the playoffs last season amid an injury-riddled year for Embiid and fellow stars Tyrese Maxey and Paul George. At 30-24, Philadelphia currently ranks sixth in the East this year.
Embiid has been looking like his old self in recent games, so there's optimism that he could finally taste some postseason success if he continues to stay healthy this year.
The Sixers will return from the All-Star break on Thursday night against the Atlanta Hawks (26-30).
