The Philadelphia 76ers have sorely missed Joel Embiid from their lineup as he's been out for various injuries throughout the years. But his most recent issue is a knee issue that's plagued him in the last year, causing some issues heading into the 2025-2026 season.
While he'll likely continue to miss some time at the start of this season, Embiid is still working towards a potential return to the 76ers lineup, even if it's going to take some time.
At media day, Embiid, courtesy of Kyle Nuebeck of PHLY Sports, shared an uncertain injury recovery update that, while somewhat positive, still leaves a lot unanswered.
Joel Embiid shares uncertain 76ers injury update ahead of 2025-2026 NBA season
"We've got a plan in place, trying to check all of the boxes," Embiid said. "This is still kind of a feel period where we're just taking it day by day... There's been a few court sessions. Everything's been on schedule."
Embiid: "We've got a plan in place, trying to check all of the boxes...this is still kind of a feel period where we're just taking it day by day...there's been a few court sessions, everything's on schedule"
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) September 26, 2025
While his final line, that everything's on schedule, is a positive one, the rest of his quote leaves a lot to be desired. Embiid is still a ways away from returning to the 76ers, and this update doesn't paint a positive picture for an imminent return.
Of course, with his injury issues throughout the year, the 76ers shouldn't rush him back. He's dealt with too many issues over the years, and rushing him back might only make things worse.
Instead, the 76ers need to make sure he's 100 percent, or at least close to 100 percent, before sending him back out onto the court. When healthy, Embiid is a huge component of the 76ers' success. But rushing him back won't help the team succeed.
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The 31-year-old center is a seven-time All-Star, 2022-2023 MVP, five-time All-NBA, and two-time scoring champion. Losing such a player would be a huge blow for any team, but for the 76ers, his absence means the team won't ever reach its potential.
Even if the rest of the oft-injured roster is healthy, Embiid's missing time will make the 76ers fall out of contention. That's why, even if it takes some time, the 76ers should be patient with Embiid in his recovery, which is seemingly what the team is planning to do based on this quote from Embiid.
Embiid will miss some time at the beginning of the year, and with this update on his health, it looks like his recovery process won't be an expedited one either. It's an uncertain update from Embiid, but one that helps paint a picture for what the process to return to the court looks like for the 76ers and Embiid.
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