By Josh Liddick, Sports Talk Philly Staff 
Sixers center Joel Embiid is in New Orleans for the NBA All-Star weekend. He is however not there as a player, but as a spectator. The rookie was scheduled to participate in Friday night's Rising Stars Challenge, and then in Saturday's Skills Challenge. Unfortunately, the knee injury that Embiid suffered almost a month ago will sideline him from the competition.
Embiid sat down with ESPN Radio's Marc Kestecher and Marc Stein in New Orleans to discuss his injury and his thoughts about how the season has progressed for the Sixers so far. As far as the injury is concerned, Embiid is focused on his recovery and is hoping his return to the court comes in the near future.
Just six days ago, the team announced that Embiid had a small meniscus tear, which was originally ruled a bone bruise.
“Right now, I’m not worried, it’s a bone bruise. They talked about a meniscus, but I’m being treated for a bone bruise. The goal is for me to be asymptomatic and when that happens, i’ll be back on the court.”
It will be interesting to see how the team responds to Embiid's remarks regarding the injury that has been such a focal point of the team's news over the last month.
In regards to the Sixers' immediate success on the floor because of his impact, Embiid said, "The atmosphere at every game is amazing." Embiid was the main reason for Philadelphia's success in January where the team went 10-5 during that time.
Embiid has averaged 20.2 points, 7.2 boards, and 2.5 blocks in the limited time he has seen action this season. The center has only played in 31 games this season, which could turn into an issue if he wants to be named Rookie of the Year at season's end.
“It would be great,” Embiid admitted. “I was in a bad place, but coming back and having a chance to be the rookie of the year will be for all the sacrifices that I’ve made. I’m hopeful to be back after the all-star break.”
In order for a rookie to win the award in the NBA, he must be able to play in a certain number of games. For Embiid, he must play in 19 of the Sixers' next 26 games, which includes five back-to-back situations.
Jo-Jo understands the importance of playing in those scenarios, especially if he wants to be as successful as possible next season.
All-in-all, Joel Embiid's interview with the national media on Friday should offer up some positivity in regards to Embiid's status with the team, both in the near and long term future. It's clear he is ready to play as soon as possible and get the team back in the right direction.
