The Philadelphia 76ers upgraded the roster in a major way over the offseason by adding the likes of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown.
But, the Sixers’ ceiling still hinges on Joel Embiid’s ability to remain healthy and available. So, the latest update on the big man from head coach Nick Nurse at the onset of 76ers training camp is great news for fans in Philadelphia and the Sixers organization.
Joel Embiid Healthy, Full Participant at 76ers Training Camp
After his first healthy offseason in several years, Embiid “looks great” heading into the 2026-27 NBA season and has been a full participant in early portions of training camp for Philadelphia, according to Nurse.
“He looked great,” Nurse beamed. “He looked great. Very good news from the standpoint of where it’s been the last couple years, last couple summers leading into today. He looked great. Full participant all the way through. It’s great to see.”
Embiid’s noticeably leaner frame turned heads at media day, and his new teammates have been impressed with how he has approached the season.
“He looked good,” new Sixers guard Anfernee Simons said. “Everybody’s been impressed around here about how he’s came in and worked.”
Obviously being healthy in September and October doesn’t guarantee that will be the case in April, May and June, but it’s a great start, so Embiid’s current shape should serve as a major reason for optimism for the 76ers.
Joel Embiid’s Health Provides Reason for Optimism for 76ers
In past offseasons, Embiid, 32, has had to deal with lingering injury issues, but that wasn’t the case this past offseason. Instead, the big man was able rest and get his body right, which has allowed him to feel better coming into the season feeling better than he has recently.
“Summer was good,” Embiid said at media day. “[I] had a great time with family. First summer I didn’t have to do worry about a lot of stuff. So it was just getting my mind right, my body right. I’m feeling pretty good.”
The hope is that a healing, restful offseason will set the stage for a healthy, productive campaign for Embiid. Fingers crossed.
Philadelphia 76ers Provide Crucial Joel Embiid Update at Start of Training Camp