DeMarcus Cousins advised Joel Embiid to lose weight in order to improve his performance and reduce injury risks. Speaking on FanDuel's RunItBackTV, Cousins emphasized that Embiid's weight is a concern as he’s faced injuries in the past, and suggested losing 40 pounds.
DeMarcus Cousins recently shared his thoughts on Joel Embiid’s career and what could help the Philadelphia 76ers star maintain his dominance in the league.
In an appearance on FanDuel's RunItBackTV, Cousins bluntly stated that Embiid’s weight has been a key factor affecting his performance and overall health, especially with the injuries and surgeries Embiid has faced over the years.
"For me, it’s the weight," Cousins said, noting that Embiid’s current physical condition requires change as he progresses further into his career.
"You’re at the point now in your career where your weight matters. You’ve been through injuries, you’ve had surgeries, and obviously, it’s still a nagging issue. Now, it’s about holding yourself accountable, go lose 40 pounds."
Cousins, who has had his own share of physical challenges in the league, emphasized the toll that carrying excess weight can take on a player’s body, particularly on the knees.
"Your body can’t sustain that type of weight. The wear and tear, the constant pounding on your knees night after night, it’s not going to help your situation," he added.
He suggested that Embiid should shed 40 pounds, a goal that he believes would improve his overall athleticism, speed, and efficiency on the court.
"Being at that size and weight in the league today, it doesn’t really help you. You don’t have to go out there and be this huge, physical guy anymore," Cousins stated.
Cousins explained that modern basketball has evolved, and players today are more focused on speed and agility rather than sheer physicality.
"This is a rail-thin league. It’s about moving up and down, side to side. It’s not about physicality and bruising," he said.
Ultimately, Cousins believes that by losing weight, Embiid would not only reduce his injury risks but also enhance his explosiveness and ability to move efficiently up and down the court.
"Losing that 40 helps, it improves his quickness, his explosion, and his ability to get up and down the court," Boogie said.
With Embiid already a dominant force in the NBA, Cousins thinks this adjustment could elevate his performance even further as he continues to evolve as a finesse, jump-shooting big man.
It remains to be seen if Embiid will take Cousins' advice, but it certainly adds another layer of discussion to the ongoing conversation about the big man's health and future in the league.
This season Embiid has only played 19 games in which he averages 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, shooting 44.4% from the field.
Thank you for reading us! We have even more content for you.
