Performance Video Analysis

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Summary of Case Study:   Realizing the difficulties of the Sixers High-Performance Team in combining multiple metrics with the inability to utilize wearables in games, but Spectravision and accelerometer data in practice among others would have been very helpful. I also understand sprinting (gt; jumping amp; dunking) typically causes the largest load for NBA players, but does that change with an asymmetrical jump and takeoff landing pattern? Video evidence exists with symmetrical takeoff and landings with all L jump hooks and some R jump hooks (though he only shot 37 all 2018-19 stats.nba.com). My guess is the jumping pattern started as a compensatory strategy with shifting of loads after the foot surgeries where he could not pass force through the right side and became a neuromuscular pattern repeatable with jump shots and 3’s. Single leg CMJ force place testing can assess whether it is a neuromuscular strategy not working or if rehab issue. (Antflick, NBSCA 2019) Either way, all of the video analysis has him taking off and landing first on the left which has apparently been going on for a few years which can obviously lead to possible injuries in many other areas. It would be easier and less disruptive on his shot to just change how he lands when shooting if it were decided to make a change based on a consensus from the staff while evaluating complex systems and a risk/benefit analysis.We know NBA players are asymmetrical but they start the season symmetrical (P3, Daniel Cohen) and become more asymmetrical as the season progresses. But I am guessing Embiid may have started the year asymmetrical or became asymmetrical a lot earlier than the typical player and reached a point of greater than 10% (and post-injury this can reach 20% (Hart, et al 2016)                                                                           

 Poor Man’s Performance Analysis:

Asymmetrical takeoff and landing with offloading on every jump-shot since navicular surgeries.L single-leg takeoff and landing with valgus on most layups/dunks.

Symmetrical takeoff and landings at times only with blocks and L jump hooks or shots in the paint (with valgus at times), never jump shots.

Lack of joint protection landing techniques and rarely lands symmetrically. 

Minimal Dunk Dissipation. Repetitive single-leg landings increase hamstring/quadriceps and hip abductors muscle activity which shows the body shifting loads and compensating and possibly increasing risk of injury up to the lumbar region and back down to the knee. ( Zazulak et al, 2007, Leporace, et al 2011).                                                                                                              

Theory: Valgus R on takeoff to dunk or takeoff to shoot when shifting all weight to left. Valgus left on landings with pronation in order to allow right LE to avoid ground reaction forces at impact.   Athletically, he is able to either compensate or perform the eccentric movements needed at times (example Boston clip, though that was opening night when NBA players are supposedly more symmetrical).

In conclusion, more questions than answers with my limited access to actual medical information and the fact that injuries involve complex systems. Coaches would also like to know the tendencies found when Embiid will shoot vs fake and drive. And I am just a guy in small-town Arkansas that did this research in a few days with nothing but access to Google.

 Jersey Wolfenbarger - High School