The Philadelphia 76ers are still hoping that superstar center Joel Embiid will make a full recovery from knee surgery and return to posting consistent numbers as a former NBA MVP and five-time All-NBA member.
76ers haven’t given up on Joel Embiid
ESPNs Brian Windhorst reported Monday on his Hoop Collective podcast that the Sixers remain positive about Embiid’s injury recovery and rehabilitation program ahead of the 2025-2026 season.
“There is optimism with the 76ers,” he said as of the 11:44 mark. “When you talk to their executives and coaches, there’s optimism. But I mean, what do I take with Joel Embiid’s optimism? He’ll play if he plays. So that was a positive sign.”
Embiid has dealt with several injuries during his NBA career. He played just 39 games during the 2023-24 season and suffered a torn lateral meniscus that lingered until last season, limiting him to just 19 games.
“I’m feeling pretty good,” Embiid said during Sixers media day last month. “I think we’ve made a lot of progress in the last few months. We’ve put a plan in place, trying to tick all the boxes, taking it day by day.
“Everything is on track. There’s not necessarily an expectation. It’s about making sure everything is right and doing everything right and going from there. The goal is obviously to play consistently and not be in the position where we were last year.”
Embiid signed a multi-year extension last September
Last season, Embiid averaged 23.8 points per game, his fewest since the 2019-20 season, and 8.2 rebounds, the fewest by the 7-footer since his rookie year in 2016-17.
Embiid’s final two games last season saw the most noticeable strain on his knee injury, as the Kansas player scored 15 or fewer points in back-to-back games for the first time since May 2021.
He underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in April.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marksthe 76ers committed $800 million to Paul George, Tyrese Maxey and Embiid during the 2024 offseason. About 77%, or $146 million, of last season’s payroll was earmarked for the All-Star trio.
Last September, Embiid signed a three-year, $192.9 million contract extension that guarantees the former first-rounder a total of $299.5 million through the 2028-29 season.
Embiid also declined his $59 million player option for the 2026-2027 season before signing his new contract extension. According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, he will make $69 million in the final year of the new deal.
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