Joel Embiid participated in the Champions League final before show.
The Sixers star center was in good spirits and indicated he was feeling much better physically than at season’s end.
We haven’t had much Joel Embiid in our lives since the Philadelphia 76ers lost in six games to the New York Knicks in the first round of the playoffs. Understandably so, as the big man looked to recuperate from a number of injuries and ailments, most notably the Bell’s palsy condition that he dealt with at the end of the season.
So it was a fun surprise for Embiid to pop up on the pregame show for Saturday’s Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. Embiid, a well-known Real Madrid supporter, was smiling and just about as happy as we’re ever seen him.
Most importantly for Sixers fans, Embiid indicated that he has healed up, saying he is feeling much better, both with the knee and the face. Particularly with the Bell’s palsy, which is usually a temporary condition but doesn’t disappear in rare cases, it’s terrific to see it in the rearview mirror for Joel.
Now, the stage is set for Embiid to join Team USA at the Paris Olympics, which will begin at the end of July. As for Saturday’s action, I’m sure Joel ended the day with that same smile on his face, as Real Madrid won 2-0 to lift the trophy.