Joel Embiid, the reigning 2023 NBA MVP, is in a shooting slump so deep it’s almost impossible to believe, hitting a career-worst 10.7 percent from three-point range through the early part of the season. Think about that for a second. This isn’t just a bad week, folks. Since October 22, in the Sixers’ home-opening win against the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he hit his last three-pointer with just 0.7 seconds left in the first half, Embiid has missed a staggering 17 consecutive attempts from downtown.
What’s Going On With the MVP’s Shot?
Seventeen misses in a row, leading to a shocking 3-for-28 overall on threes. For a player who boasted a solid 33.9 percent career three-point average over 490 games before this season, this cold streak is, frankly, unfathomable. It’s completely out of character. We’re talking about an MVP here, one of the most dominant forces in the league.
His recent performance against the Cavs again on Friday didn’t help either. Embiid logged a season-low six points, missing all nine of his field-goal attempts, including both of his three-point tries. You just don’t see numbers like that from Embiid. His drought from deep is the hot topic, and for good reason. It’s impacting his game, and you have to wonder what it’s doing to his head.
Embiid’s Own Explanation Will Shock You
So, what’s behind this alarming drop-off from the perimeter? Embiid himself opened up to the media, and his explanation is eye-opening. “I think the way I’m jumping, and my hands [placement] are just not what it used to be,” he said. He knows something is off, adding, “I just have to go back and look at the clips and see what we can change and … get better.”
The 32-year-old explained that his jumping mechanics have changed because he played only 57 games over the previous two seasons due to injuries. The lack of consistent court time, the missed reps, it all adds up. “I think it’s obviously being out basically the last two years, being in and out, not really having the opportunity to get on the court as much … to get the reps,” Embiid stated. “The load that we try to manage. It’s probably a difference between the last couple of years.”
He detailed how his routine used to be a non-issue. “I used to be able to get in the gym every single day, just getting the reps in, working on it. That’s why it was so automatic.” Now, managing his body means sacrificing that intense, daily practice. “Now you got to find a way to kind of mix it up, because you got to manage your load. So you don’t get as much reps as possible.”
Embiid knows he has to adjust. The 11-year veteran is committed to putting in the work and hopes to turn things around. But this is a seriously tough spot for one of the absolute best players in the game. “I believe in myself,” he acknowledged, “but when you’re in these moments, and nothing is going in … it’s hard not to look at yourself and be down.” You can hear the frustration, the self-doubt, even from an MVP. It’s a reminder that even the greats face mental battles when their game isn’t clicking. We’ll be watching to see how he battles his way back.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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