76ers are creating a Joel Embiid problem they can't deal with

One of the things Philadelphia Sixers fans don't want to think about is too hard to ignore — whether Joel Embiid will ever consistently be able to play at a high level again. He played in a combined 58 games the past two seasons due to injuries. Embiid most recently underwent knee surgery last April, his second in 14 months.

There is some optimism about the upcoming season, such as watching rookie V.J. Edgecombe, but when it comes to Embiid (and Paul George), it's hard to feel hopeful. The Sixers' social media team is trying to generate some excitement by posting photos and videos of players working out, with the Embiid video generating the most chatter.

It's not abnormal for team accounts to post that kind of content; in fact, that's the kind of content you typically see during the final stretch of the offseason. Players return to their respective cities to prepare for training camp and the upcoming season. Fans enjoy seeing behind-the-scenes content.

When it comes to Philadelphia, though, dropping content of Embiid working out is a tease. The Sixers said earlier in the summer that they expect him to be healthy in time for training camp. In the video, Embiid isn't wearing a brace and seems to be moving well (it's a small clip), but will he truly be ready by the time the season starts? And will it stay that way?

Sixers fans just want to see Joel Embiid play basketball

After a summer marked by questions about whether Embiid would be able to play basketball again, watching him take the court again will be a thrill for Sixers fans everywhere. Fans are cautious about getting their hopes up, but it's hard not to after seeing videos of him at the practice facility.

The East is wide open, so this could be the season where Philadelphia makes the deep playoff run fans have waited what feels like forever to see. Embiid is the Sixers' most important part of the equation to getting there. If he looks anything like he did during the 2022-23 season when he won MVP, Philly could finish as a top team in the conference.

The keyword there is could. Especially after last season, fans know not to get too excited during the offseason. The latest Embiid video is another example of that. What matters is what happens when the season begins.

Please, don't let this be another case of false hope.