[JJP]

It's really hard to complain about Embid's health when the Mavs are praying for the health of their own center. A lot of assumptions can be made if you are a fan of one team and not the other.

But the facts are these. Embid could not stay healthy for any long period of time during any one season that he played so far. He has had an aching knee, upper respiratory illness, and gastrointestinal problem just this last season. He has a ridiculously bad diet that was reported recently in the The Ringer. His knee injury was diagnosed as a "long-term issue" by medical doctors... hence the brace. He has broken a bone in his foot twice. He was once held out of a game with Miami because of a fractured orbital bone... then he complained about his medical staff.

Embid is 21% taller than they typical American, but he is 39% heavier. Porzingas does not have this problem, nor any associated problem with diet. The weight issue is huge for big guys in the NBA. Even the good ones. How long were guys like Yao Ming healthy? According to one website, the average 7-footer misses 23% of the games in a season. Guys like Wilt Chamberlain are super rare. Given Embiid's history already, I don't think any medical specialist would bet on him lasting 8-10 years (and he's already played 3). The guy is terrific when he can get in the game, no question about that. But we've very likely seen the best of him already.