As one of their key preparations heading to the 2025-26 regular season, the Philadelphia 76ers have conducted their Blue x White scrimmage this Sunday afternoon. And in a compelling fashion, Philly fans saw the return of their beloved basketball superstar.
Joel Embiid made his on-court comeback for the Sixers, his first active play since enduring an injury-plagued 2025-26 season that restricted him to just 19 games. After not suiting up since being shut down last February, the star center offered plenty of promise in his current condition.
Embiid showed no signs of rustiness as he actively participated in the scrimmage session. Intriguingly, he also demonstrated flashes of his former MVP form from dribbling the ball, shooting mid-range shots and even flushing a two-handed jam at one point.
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He had no problem running on both ends of the floor, and he appeared coordinated in his movements which was strongly observed from his pick-and-roll play with Tyrese Maxey.
Although he isn't fully cleared to play yet after undergoing an arthroscopic surgery in his left knee last April, what Embiid displayed gives Philadelphia enough optimism to believe that he's heading towards the right direction.
Needless to say, no one was more thrilled and impressed than Nick Nurse to see Embiid’s comeback to the hardwood.
“I was kind of prepared for that [crowd reaction] today,” the Sixers head coach said after the scrimmage, via Gina Mizell of The Philadelphia Inquirer. “I knew this would be the first time you guys [the media] or the public would have seen him for a long time.
“And then he went out there and did his thing. He shot the ball well. He scored well. He orchestrated the offense well. I thought he ran pretty good, as well, both directions.”
The 76ers have their fingers crossed that Embiid will be able to secure a redeeming season as they continue their pursuit of the franchise's fourth NBA title.
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