Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid provided a long-awaited update on his recovery as the team approaches the 2025–26 NBA season.
Speaking during Friday’s media day, Embiid said he is taking things “day-by-day” and emphasized that he feels “pretty good” while working through his rehab. He did not offer a timeline for his return but made clear that the focus is on building consistency.
“There’s not necessarily an expectation,” Embiid said. “The goal is to play consistently and not be in a position that we were last year.”
The 31-year-old is coming off an injury-riddled 2024–25 campaign, when he appeared in just 19 games before undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in April. He averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in those contests.
Last season marked the second straight year that injuries disrupted Embiid’s availability. Despite a February return that included a triple-double performance against Dallas, lingering knee issues forced the Sixers to shut him down for the remainder of the schedule.
Embiid explained that his approach this year is different, with a strong emphasis on listening to his body. “Going forward, we’re just going to listen to the body,” he said. “I’ll be honest and say that it’s gonna be unpredictable at times, and that’s okay.”
The Sixers enter training camp with uncertainty surrounding their franchise centerpiece. Tyrese Maxey continues to emerge as a leading option, but the team’s chances of competing in the Eastern Conference will depend heavily on Embiid’s health.
Since being drafted in 2014, Embiid has averaged 27.7 points and 11.0 rebounds across 452 career games. He signed a three-year, $193 million extension in September 2024, keeping him under contract through the 2028–29 season.
