Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers.
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The Philadelphia 76ers have a fantastic player in Joel Embiid, but he's been riddled with injuries as of late.
The Philadelphia 76ers are in a bit of a pickle with Joel Embiid. While there’s no denying that Embiid is one of the best and most talented players in the NBA, his time with the 76s has been riddled with injuries, and that’s really hurt the team.
Currently, Embiid is recovering from left knee surgery, but he’s expected to be ready for training camp, according to CBS Sports. “Embiid underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in April, and he’s been progressing well in his recovery” the report added. “The expectation is that the 31-year-old will be ready to go for training camp.”
So, it’s great news that the player will be ready for the 2025-26 season, but his track record still leaves some insiders cautious about what Embiid will be able to deliver for the team. He might not even start out the season at full speed, as CBS Sports adds that although “Embiid should be fully recovered ahead of the 2025-26 season,” the team might “ease him back into game action, considering he appeared in 58 combined regular-season games over his last two seasons.”
A Big Prediction for Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers.
GettyJoel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers on the court.
Right now, the 76ers are simply focused on getting Embiid back on the court, and he’s focused on making that happen, too. But, down the road, it’s being predicted that the player will make the 2028 Olympic team.
In a feature published on Thursday, August 7, NBA expert Colin Ward-Henninger predicts who will make the 2028 Olympics team. He says that he believes Embiid will make it, even with his issues. Embiid, of course, appeared in the 2024 Olympics.
“We’re going to choose to be optimistic here and say that Embiid will be healthy enough to contribute to Team USA in 2028,” Ward-Henninger notes in the feature. “He was dominant in limited minutes in Paris, playing a major part in the Americans’ fourth-quarter comeback to beat Serbia in the semifinal.”
He adds that “there’s nobody in the world who can guard a healthy Embiid, and even though the wear and tear might limit him, his upside alone should be enough to earn him another spot on the roster.”
Despite Injuries, Joel Embiid Has Solid Numbers
Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers.
GettyAnthony Davis of the Dallas Mavericks talks to Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers after the game at the Wells Fargo Center.
There’s nobody in the world who can guard a healthy Embiid, and even though the wear and tear might limit him, his upside alone should be enough to earn him another spot on the roster.
If he gets healthy, he could really be a MVP in the future. In a feature published by the NBA, he’s named one of the best centers of the 2024-25 season.
“Knee issues limited Embiid to just 19 games. He has now played fewer than 40 games in two straight seasons and recently underwent surgery to attempt to work through the problems,” Adam King notes in the piece. “During his 19 games, Embiid was still able to put up above-average numbers, with 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.9 blocks.”
King adds, “A fresh and healthy Embiid is capable of putting up MVP numbers, which will entice fantasy managers to take a chance on him next season wherever his average draft position settle. We will know more as we get closer to draft season, at which point his projected value will be a little clearer.”
So, this season will tell a lot about Embiid’s future. Hopefully he stays healthy and is able to get to his full potential.