Jeff Teague on the painful truth about Joel Embiid originally appeared on Basketball Network.
Over the past couple of years, the public perception surrounding Joel Embiid has undergone a significant shift. Once viewed as the singular force capable of transforming the Philadelphia 76ers into perennial championship contenders, that narrative has deteriorated to the point where fans now simply pray he can remain healthy enough to stay on the court. His repeated injury setbacks have only prompted Jeff Teague to believe that the end is near for Embiid.
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However, more concerning for Jeff is how the latest frustration-filled narrative may even hinder Joel’s path to the Hall of Fame.
Teague doubts Embiid’s HoF candidature
Since being selected as the third overall pick in the 2014 draft class, Embiid has missed a staggering 400 regular-season games for the 76ers. His lengthy injury history includes a stress fracture in his right foot, fractures on both his left and right knee orbital bones, a meniscus tear in his left knee, a torn ligament in his left hand, a sprained left shoulder and constant back issues. These problems have not only impacted his production but also his availability in the playoffs. Thus, in his term as the team’s No.1 player, he has never been able to lead the Sixers into the conference finals.
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On the other hand, despite the lack of team success, Embiid’s resume is still decorated: seven All-Star appearances, five selections in the All-NBA Teams (four Second and one First), two consecutive scoring titles and the coveted MVP award in 2023.
Even then, Teague feels that the combination of Embiid’s absence and his inability to carry Philly deep into the playoffs may be enough to keep him out of the Hall of Fame candidature.
“It ain’t matter, just get your chicken, brother. He’s done after these three years for sure… “That n—a missed so many games, though. He missed years. He missed three years. He missed his whole first year or something,” the retired guard said on his “Club 520” podcast. “That boy ain’t never played 70 games. He might not make the Hall of Fame, bro. How many points he scored?… 12,000 ain’t that many, I scored 10 (thousand).”
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Does JoJo deserve to be in the Hall of Fame?
The counterpoint, of course, is that there are players without a championship or even an MVP award, such as Pete Maravich, who have secured a green light for the Hall of Fame solely based on individual brilliance. By this logic, Embiid’s statistical dominance and accolades could still earn him entry into the HoF, even if injuries were to force an early retirement for the seven-foot center.
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However, as Teague rightly emphasizes, the frustration among 76ers fans is palpable. In their eyes, Embiid has been given virtually every resource, roster adjustment and supporting cast member he has asked for, yet the franchise’s championship aspirations remain unfulfilled. And should this trend continue, the slander Embiid would face will surely harm his legacy more than ever.
Surely, no one in the modern-day wants another “what-if” story, and if that narrative sticks, it could do all the wrong in the world for Embiid, potentially overshadowing everything he’s accomplished on the court so far.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 8, 2025, where it first appeared.