Joel Embiid's unusual behavior dampens 76ers' win in season opener

White men can't jump, and apparently, neither can Joel Embiid. 

The Philadelphia 76ers star had very little lift during his team's 117-116 victory over the Boston Celtics in the season opener on Wednesday.

There were several instances when Embiid was unable to fight for rebounds or shoot over defenders due to his limited hops. 

Can Joel Embiid no longer jump?

In one particular play, Embiid stood near the rim and watched as Payton Pritchard missed a layup, while Celtics center Neemias Queta, who was boxed out, managed to grab the rebound. Amazingly, Embiid didn't bother to fight for the board despite being closer to the basket.

In another sequence, the 7-footer sized up Xavier Tillman and tried to elevate for a jumper, only to have the ball snatched from his hands. 

Embiid, who finished with four points (1-of-9 shooting) and six rebounds, did not resemble the player who won the MVP two years ago and, frankly, looked like a mediocre NBA player.  

Joel Embiid working himself into rhythm

One wonders if Embiid, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in the offseason, returned to the court too quickly.

Embiid, though, feels he will regain his rhythm with reps. After Wednesday's stinker, Embiid said being on a minutes restriction — he played 20 minutes — did not do him any favors.

"I'm good," Embiid said, via Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. "You know, it's going to take a while, you know, obviously, being on a minute restriction, playing shorter stints, it's harder to kind of get into a rhythm. But I got to figure it out."

The seven-time All-Star added that "it's annoying" to not feel like himself, but he can still contribute to his team in ways other than scoring.

Despite Embiid's performance, 76ers fans have a lot to be excited about, given the remarkable debut of VJ Edgecombe, who scored the most points by an NBA debutant since Wilt Chamberlain in 1959.