Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid expected to return in great shape

The Philadelphia 76ers’ All-Star appears committed to a strong return to play.

No one has ever questioned Joel Embiid‘s commitment. His health, sure. His fitness, sure. But no one of sound mind and body has genuinely questioned Joel Embiid’s will to win. His desire for greatness. Embiid is one of the hardest working players in basketball.

A decade ago, Embiid had never touched a basketball. He went from a newbie in high school to the No. 3 overall pick as a freshman out of Kansas, despite season-ending foot surgery. Once he labored his way back to health, Embiid emerged as an All-Star talent right away. He has always been quick to pick up new moves and expand his arsenal. That’s work ethic.

So this should come as no surprise — Embiid has worked his tail off during the hiatus. Critics have circled overhead all season, so leave it to Embiid to use a four-month break to improve his body, his game, and his durability. Brett Brown clearly has high expectations.

"“The respect and applause I give him for putting in time. There is nobody that has put in more time than Joel Embiid…I’m looking for Joel to come in, in as good as shape as I have coached him.” — Brett Brown via NBC Sports’ Serena Winters"

The Sixers will have a three-week “training camp” in Orlando if all goes to plan. So Embiid will have over three months of personal workouts and three weeks of team practices to achieve peak physical condition. If Embiid is truly in the best shape of his career, it bodes well for the Philadelphia 76ers‘ title hopes.

This tidbit from Brown alines with what we’ve heard throughout the hiatus. An earlier report said Embiid was working out six days a week. For Embiid, so many of his past fitness issues have been tied to injuries. He’s a physical 7-footer who throws his weight around in the post — he’s especially prone to bumps and bruises.

One could argue this extended break was a blessing in disguise. A chance for Embiid to reset and recharge ahead of Philadelphia’s postseason run. This could be the healthiest Embiid has been late in a season. If the Sixers want to win a championship — to topple the Raptors, the Bucks, and the Lakers — it will require a fully operational Joel Embiid. There’s no more Jimmy Butler to carry the torch late in games.

Reports of Embiid’s improved fitness have naturally been met with pessimism. But again, Embiid’s fitness issues in the past have been brought on by the rigors of an 82-game season, not a lack of work ethic. He has clearly committed himself to an improved physique, and the Sixers only have eight games between August 1 and the playoffs. This is an overwhelmingly positive development. Believe it as such.