Joel Embiid underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in April. The former MVP has been dealing with a knee injury over the past two years, with this being his second surgery in the last twelve months. The Sixers likely hope the procedure puts an end to their star player’s struggles.
However, when speaking to ESPN’s Dotun Akintoye, Embiid explained how he currently doesn’t have a timeline for a return to on-court activities.
“We don’t have a timeline,” Embiid told Akintoye. “Hopefully, sooner rather than later…I don’t know how they (the Sixers) feel. The only thing I’d say is — this is a business. It’s all about the results…If I come back early enough and I’m still not myself, guess what? You’re not winning any games.”
Embiid played in just 19 games this past season. He was shut down early, in the hope that he could be ready for the start of the 2025-26 campaign. As things currently stand, there’s no guarantee he will be part of the Sixers’ rotation on opening night.
When healthy, Embiid is a top-10 player in the world. He’s the reason the Sixers consider themselves to be championship contenders. Without him, the franchise will struggle to make a deep postseason push. As such, they will likely remain patient with the veteran center. However, that patience can’t be expected to last forever.
Sixers’ Embiid Not Close to On-Court Workouts
According to a report from The Athletic’s Tony Jones, Embiid is yet to begin on-court basketball activities.
“It’s been almost a year and a half since the knee injury he suffered at Golden State derailed him for most of the 2024-25 season, and Morey says Embiid is ‘on track’ to be healthy for training camp, the start of the preseason and the start of the regular season,” Jones wrote. “League sources tell The Athletic that Embiid still hasn’t returned to on-court basketball activities. That said, Morey and the front office remain optimistic that Embiid will be on the floor for the season opener.”
Unfortunately for Philadelphia, Embiid isn’t the only player dealing with injury issues. Paul George was also shut down early last season. Daryl Morey needs both of his stars healthy for the franchise to achieve its ultimate goal.
Sixers’ George Undergoes Surgery
On Monday, July 14, ESPN’s Shams Charania announced that George had undergone arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. The procedure was due to an injury he sustained during a recent workout.
“Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George underwent a successful arthroscopic procedure on his left knee Monday to treat an injury suffered during a recent workout, a team official tells ESPN,” Charania reported. “George will now begin a rehab program and be re-evaluated prior to start of training camp.”
The Sixers will find themselves under significant pressure this season. The fanbase had to endure a torrid 24-25 campaign, and is unlikely to be pleased with a repeat performance this time around. As such, if neither George or Embiid can get and stay healthy this season, a full-scale rebuild could be on the horizion this time next year.
Sixers’ Joel Embiid Provides Discouraging Injury Update