Los Angeles Clippers center Mo Bamba found himself in the spotlight on November 18, 2024, after making a playful remark about his former teammate, Joel Embiid, and the Philadelphia 76ers’ approach to injury management.
The 26-year-old center, who joined the Clippers as a free agent over the summer, spoke candidly about his own availability and fitness, joking that his approach was quite different from Embiid’s famously cautious regimen.
“I am not Joe [Joel Embiid],” Bamba quipped when asked about his ability to play on the second night of back-to-backs. “Nah, I’ll die on my shield if I have to, but there’s definitely a plan in place.” Bamba’s comment added a touch of humor to a serious conversation around load management, a topic that has been hotly debated across the league. His willingness to push through injury and play with a sense of grit was a clear contrast to Embiid’s decision to limit his appearances in back-to-back games.
This playful banter comes just months after Bamba and Embiid were teammates in Philadelphia during the 2023-24 season. During that campaign, Embiid, the reigning MVP, made it clear that he would likely avoid playing on the second night of back-to-backs for the foreseeable future. “I’ll probably never play back-to-backs again,” Embiid said before the start of the regular season, a statement that sparked both support and criticism from fans and analysts alike.
While Bamba’s remarks seemed to poke fun at Embiid’s injury management plan, there appears to be no ill will between the two big men. In fact, Bamba has praised Embiid for his work ethic and resilience, even though the two no longer share a locker room. Reflecting on his time with the 76ers, Bamba expressed admiration for Embiid’s determination. “I’ve known Jo before I even came into the league, and there’s been a bunch of stuff surrounding Jo—things that he’s gotten over and improved upon,” Bamba said, per USA Today’s Ky Carlin. “But seeing how he works every day, even when he’s nowhere near 100%, that’s what made me proud of him.”
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Bamba’s light-hearted comments about Embiid underscore the ongoing conversation about how teams manage their stars’ health. Embiid’s decision to sit out back-to-backs is a strategy that has become increasingly common for players dealing with chronic injuries. For his part, Bamba’s own injury history—highlighted by a 13-game absence to start the season due to left knee soreness—has made him more aware of the delicate balance between staying healthy and competing at a high level.
After missing the Clippers’ first 13 games, Bamba made his long-awaited debut on November 17 in a 116-105 victory over the Utah Jazz. In just 15 minutes of play, he made an immediate impact, scoring nine points and grabbing eight rebounds. He also shot 4-8 from the field, although he missed both of his three-point attempts. His performance was a positive sign for the Clippers, who have been dealing with their own injury concerns early in the season.
Despite his extended absence, Bamba has been vocal about his recovery and his readiness to contribute. “I feel pretty comfortable, feel pretty good and springy,” he said after the win against Utah, indicating that he was eager to continue building his rhythm and contribute to the team. His comments highlight his determination to stay on the court, even if it means pushing through some discomfort.
On the other hand, Embiid’s own injury struggles have cast a shadow over his early season. The seven-time All-Star has appeared in just two games so far, with knee injury management and a three-game suspension for an altercation with a reporter sidelining him for a significant portion of the regular season. In those two appearances, Embiid has struggled to find his form, averaging just 16.5 points while shooting a mere 7-26 from the field. His injury woes have raised concerns about his ability to stay healthy and lead the 76ers through a challenging season.
Bamba’s humorous take on Embiid’s injury management sheds light on the broader issue facing the NBA today: the growing need for player health to be prioritized over traditional notions of toughness and availability. As the league continues to evolve, the conversation around load management and injury prevention will only become more important. For Bamba, his approach seems to be a reflection of his desire to stay active and contribute to his new team in any way he can.
While the rivalry between the Clippers and 76ers may intensify over the course of the season, Bamba’s remarks suggest that the two centers share a mutual respect for one another. Despite their different approaches to managing their bodies, both players have proven to be valuable assets to their respective teams. As Bamba continues to integrate into the Clippers’ system, his commitment to playing through pain and his willingness to joke about the league’s injury culture will only add to his growing reputation as a resilient and determined player.
The future of both Bamba and Embiid will depend on how well they manage their health and navigate the increasing demands of an 82-game season. For now, Bamba’s playful comments about his former teammate offer a rare moment of levity in an often serious discussion about player health and performance. Fans of both the Clippers and 76ers will be watching closely as both players look to bounce back from their injury concerns and make an impact on their teams in the coming months.
As the season unfolds, the narrative surrounding both Bamba and Embiid will continue to develop. With Bamba now in Los Angeles and Embiid entrenched in Philadelphia, it will be fascinating to see how their respective injury management strategies evolve and whether either player can stay healthy enough to be at their best for the entirety of the season. One thing is for certain—both will be key figures in their teams’ hopes of contending for a championship, and their journey to recovery will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
