For the past few months, Philadelphia 76ers fans were locked onto the 2025 NBA Draft, but an unsettling thought started to creep in. Since Joel Embiid underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee in April, we have yet to receive an official update on his rehabilitation. This had some fans fearing for the worst, but in the midst of the excitement surrounding V.J. Edgecombe, Daryl Morey cleared the air tonight.
According to Austin Krell of On Pattison, Morey revealed Embiid is “very engaged” and attacking rehab. He had a meeting with Dr. Jonathan Glashow, who performed his arthroscopic surgery, this week. Morey stated that everything is going as expected with Embiid’s recovery and he’s on track to be ready right around the start of training camp.
How did we get here?
Due to continuous pain and swelling in his left knee, Embiid’s season came to a disappointing, but inevitable end shortly after the All-Star break. He played his last game on February 22nd against the Brooklyn Nets, who beat the 76ers 105-103. Six days later, Philadelphia announced that Embiid was officially shut down for the rest of the 2024-25 season after a series of tests deemed him medically unable to play. This was a chain reaction as the 76ers entered an impromptu tank that ultimately resulted in them acquiring Edgecombe with the third overall pick.
Embiid appeared in only 19 games this past season, the lowest mark of his 11-year career, discounting his first two seasons when he was permanently sidelined due to a right foot injury. He averaged an underwhelming 23.8 points per game on 58% true shooting, 8.2 rebounds per game, and 4.5 assists per game. Needless to say, this was a far cry from the Most Valuable Player level production that Philadelphia desperately needed to keep its season afloat.
If Embiid can return to at least all-star caliber status, then the 76ers are in a solid spot where they can return to competitiveness. Due to a series of tragic injuries, the Eastern Conference is wide open for Philadelphia to dominate, but as always, it hinges on Embiid’s availability.