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Sixers All-Star, Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid is still recovering from meniscus surgery. The Philadelphia 76ers star has struggled with a knee issue for the past two years. His 2024-25 season cut short as he struggled to get on the floor for the Sixers, playing in just 19 games.
Despite undergoing surgery in April, it would appear Embiid may not be ready for the start of the new season. Head coach Nick Nurse provided an update on the former MVP’s recovery during an August 13 appearance on TalkSport Radio during his trip to Manchester, England, as part of the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders program.
“All the news is positive,” Nurse told Brian T. Smith of talkSPORT. “I know he’s working very, very hard, and I think things look good. Whether he’s ready for training camp or not, I think there’s maybe a lot more decisions than that to make before we get there. But our main thing is that he’s healthy to play and play to his best capabilities, because he’s awesome, no doubt about that.”
Regardless of whether Embiid is ready for training camp or even for the start of the season, the franchise’s chances of success will hinge on his ability to stay healthy. As such, the Sixers will undoubtedly continue to take a cautious approach with his recovery, in the hopes of him being at his best later in the season.
Doubts Raised Over Embiid’s Playing Ability
NBA Insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints recently spoke with an anonymous member of an NBA team’s medical staff. During the conversation, the medical staffer shared his doubts over whether Embiid can ever reach an All-NBA level again.
“When you have a second surgery to attempt and fix the initial problem, and then you continue to deal with delays and more complications, that’s never a good sign,” The medical team member said. “Few players have been able to come back from multiple surgeries and injuries to the same part of their body, which is what Joel is trying to achieve.”
The medical team member continued.
“For him specifically, his injury history and knee issues go back to when he first entered the league. To even play at the level he has to this point is remarkable. Of course, everyone wants to see him back and 100 percent healthy, as the league is better with all of its stars on the court. The reality here is that the damage has been done, and none of us can get word on if it’s actually repairable.”
Injury struggles are nothing new for Embiid. He struggled with back issues upon entering the NBA. However, now that he’s in his 30s, a persistent knee issue is certainly worrying for the Sixers franchise and its fanbase.
Embiid Could Consider Retirement
Sixers insider Keith Pompey recently shared an opinion that if Embiid continues to struggle with injuries, he could be forced to consider retirement.
“I think Joel may know that the end is near, and this is just me saying, and it’s kind of like explaining to people what he’s been going through,” Pompey said. “Because rarely do you have a guy tell you how much pain (they’re in) and how much they’re going through.”
Pompey continued.
“The thing I took from it was no matter who is there, the culture is the same. And I feel like Joel Embiid knows that it may not be this season, but the end is near. Maybe he feels as though he can’t play to the level he used to. I could be wrong. He could come out and have another MVP season. But that was my takeaway.”
Embiid will undoubtedly want to get back to full fitness and prove that he’s still among the best players in the world. However, after two injury-hit years, that may be more of a pipe dream than a reality. If Embiid struggles to stay on the court for the 2025-26 season, Daryl Morey may need to reassess the All-Star’s future with the franchise.
Adam Taylor is a basketball reporter covering the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns for Heavy. He has also written for CelticsBlog, USA Today, Yardbarker and FanSided. Adam has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Open University. More about Adam Taylor
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