Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has struggled with injuries over the past few seasons. During the 2024-25 NBA campaign, Embiid was limited to 19 games due to his knee issues. Although he averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists, fans weren’t satisfied since the star center wasn’t on the floor for most of the season. The season before that, the big man appeared in only 39 games after winning the MVP in 2023 by playing in 66 games.
There’s an expectation for Embiid to have a better year this 2025-26 season. He had extra time to allow his body to recover and be at 100%. With the 76ers’ goal of contending for an NBA championship, the organization wants him to return to his All-Star state.
But given that injuries have gradually derailed his career, even some of his former teammates find it difficult to include him among the best players in the league.
Joel Embiid’s former teammate, Danny Green, has doubts about whether the center is still at the same elite level as a star like Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“As good as Joel [Embiid] is, I haven’t seen him play in some time,” the two-time NBA champion said on an episode of his show “Danny Green x Inside the Green Room.”
“It’s hard to put him over Giannis for me right now. A couple of years ago? Yes, he was better than Giannis, but the way Giannis played last year, and he’s playing in the summertime, takes care of his body, I can’t put Joel ahead of Giannis just yet. I have to see it again. I haven’t seen him play. Now that he’s a couple of years older, I want to see what it looks like.”
The 76ers have an encouraging update on Joel Embiid
After Joel Embiid was shut down by the 76ers before the season ended, he underwent arthroscopic knee surgery. Although he’s had time to allow his body to recover, the organization said that he’s still working his way through the procedure.
On Wednesday, 76ers insider Derek Bodner reported that Embiid has increased his participation in practice and even took time to play some 5-on-5 with the team.
“Joel Embiid practiced today, has increased his participation and did some 5-on-5. He is being evaluated daily and the team says he still has some boxes to check before he is cleared for playing in games,” Bodner posted.
Joel Embiid practiced today, has increased his participation and did some 5-on-5. He is being evaluated daily and the team says he still has some boxes to check before he is cleared for playing in games.
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) October 8, 2025
It’s an encouraging update for fans waiting for something positive from the team about Embiid. The Sixers expect the star big man to be a significant part of their campaign, and having him 100% healthy is the franchise’s priority.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
