Joel Embiid is one of the best basketball players of his generation.
The Philadelphia 76ers' center also has some of the worst injury narratives in the history of the NBA.
Those things clash often, and now, it's not clear Embiid will ever be close to the same player he once was.
His first stint of the season, about five minutes before getting a breather against the Boston Celtics, did not ease concerns.
Embiid looked, well, grounded.
Joel Embiid not jumping AT ALL anymore
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) October 22, 2025
His knees are cooked pic.twitter.com/7GIwnKKxAE
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The 76ers got good news just to have Embiid available at all for opening night. He's missed a ton of time the past few seasons.
Philly is without Paul George and Jared McCain due to injury, so having Embiid on the court is a big deal.
But if he looks like this, it could be tough to watch at times.
With the obvious caveat that we’re five minutes into the season, that Joel Embiid opening stretch was dangerously close to Larry Holmes Status
— Anthony Dabbundo (@AnthonyDabbundo) October 22, 2025
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There's a lot of season left. Embiid could look just fine. Fans of the 76ers certainly hope he does.
But he also could've gotten off to a better start.
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